Median Earnings (1yr)
$25,315
46th percentile
60th percentile in New York
Median Debt
$27,750
7% above national median

Analysis

Five Towns College's music program carries a small sample size caveat, but the available data suggests reasonable performance within New York's competitive music education landscape. With graduates earning $30,618 four years out, this program lands in the 60th percentile among New York music programs—a meaningful distinction in a state where the median sits at just $20,334. That's roughly $10,000 more annually than the typical New York music graduate.

The debt picture looks manageable at $27,750, nearly identical to both state and national medians for music degrees. The 1.10 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe about 13 months of their first-year salary—tight but not crushing for a creative field known for modest early earnings. The 21% earnings growth between years one and four indicates developing career momentum, though these figures remain below top programs like CUNY Hunter ($33,384).

For families considering a specialized music program in New York, these numbers suggest Five Towns delivers middle-tier outcomes at median cost. The program won't match earnings from flagship institutions, but it outperforms most New York alternatives while keeping debt reasonable. With 45% of students receiving Pell grants, the school serves a working-class population making this calculation particularly important. Just remember the small sample size means individual outcomes could vary more than at larger programs.

Where Five Towns College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all music bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Five Towns College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Five Towns College$25,315$30,618+21%
Ithaca College$23,119$41,583+80%
Hofstra University$15,592$41,288+165%
SUNY College at Potsdam$23,902$40,627+70%
SUNY at Fredonia$21,524$33,086+54%

Compare to Similar Programs in New York

Music bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (61 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Five Towns CollegeDix Hills$29,950$25,315$30,618$27,7501.10
CUNY Hunter CollegeNew York$7,382$33,384$29,028
Columbia University in the City of New YorkNew York$69,045$32,924
The College of Saint RoseAlbany$37,452$26,060$31,616$26,7171.03
New York UniversityNew York$60,438$24,398$18,612$25,0001.02
SUNY College at PotsdamPotsdam$8,712$23,902$40,627$27,0001.13
National Median$26,036$26,0001.00

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with music graduates

Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Music Directors and Composers

Conduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical artists or groups, such as orchestras, bands, choirs, and glee clubs; or create original works of music.

$63,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Sound Engineering Technicians

Assemble and operate equipment to record, synchronize, mix, edit, or reproduce sound, including music, voices, or sound effects, for theater, video, film, television, podcasts, sporting events, and other productions.

$56,600/yrJobs growth:

Musicians and Singers

Play one or more musical instruments or sing. May perform on stage, for broadcasting, or for sound or video recording.

Jobs growth:No formal educational credential

Disc Jockeys, Except Radio

Play prerecorded music for live audiences at venues or events such as clubs, parties, or wedding receptions. May use techniques such as mixing, cutting, or sampling to manipulate recordings. May also perform as emcee (master of ceremonies).

Jobs growth:
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Five Towns College, approximately 45% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 16 graduates with reported earnings and 28 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.