Music at Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins may be one of the nation's most selective universities, but its music program graduates earn substantially less than their peers—ranking in just the 5th percentile nationally with median first-year earnings of $16,479. While the $23,250 debt load sits near both national and state medians, it still represents 1.4 times that initial income. Even four years out, earnings only reach $18,605, still below Maryland's state median of $19,618 for music graduates. For context, University of Maryland-Baltimore County's music graduates earn $24,000 in their first year—nearly 50% more.

The program does perform slightly better within Maryland specifically, landing at the 25th percentile statewide, but that's cold comfort when the state's music programs generally underperform the national market. The modest 13% earnings growth suggests some career trajectory, though starting from such a low base means graduates remain well below what music majors typically earn elsewhere.

If your child is determined to study music at an elite institution, understand they'll likely need significant family support or face years of financial constraint. The Hopkins name carries weight in medicine and engineering, but it doesn't appear to translate to music career outcomes. Unless your family can absorb the costs without loans, this program represents a significant financial sacrifice compared to what music majors earn at most other schools.