Music at Lamar University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Lamar University's music program delivers exceptional results compared to most music degrees nationally, with first-year earnings of $42,328 placing it in the 95th percentile—significantly better than the $26,036 national median. However, the 40th percentile ranking within Texas reveals a different story: among the state's 59 music programs, this sits below the $47,010 median, trailing programs like Sam Houston State ($59,926) and UT El Paso ($56,062) by substantial margins.
The debt picture is reasonable at $26,407, creating a manageable 0.62 ratio to first-year earnings, and graduates see steady 13% earnings growth over four years. For a Texas family, though, the question becomes whether these outcomes justify attendance when stronger in-state options exist at similar debt levels. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) adds uncertainty—these figures could shift significantly with more data.
If your student is considering Lamar for location or specific faculty, these earnings will outpace most music graduates nationally. But for families prioritizing return on investment and willing to consider other Texas schools, the state's higher-performing programs offer a clearer financial advantage at comparable cost.
Where Lamar University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all music bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Lamar University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Lamar University graduates earn $42k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all music bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Music bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (59 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lamar University | $42,328 | $47,769 | $26,407 | 0.62 |
| Sam Houston State University | $59,926 | $45,889 | $28,000 | 0.47 |
| The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | $56,373 | $55,090 | $20,920 | 0.37 |
| Texas A&M University-Kingsville | $56,072 | $53,695 | $31,000 | 0.55 |
| The University of Texas at El Paso | $56,062 | — | $14,612 | 0.26 |
| University of Houston | $52,799 | $55,639 | $26,000 | 0.49 |
| National Median | $26,036 | — | $26,000 | 1.00 |
Other Music Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sam Houston State University Huntsville | $9,228 | $59,926 | $28,000 |
| The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Edinburg | $9,859 | $56,373 | $20,920 |
| Texas A&M University-Kingsville Kingsville | $9,892 | $56,072 | $31,000 |
| The University of Texas at El Paso El Paso | $9,744 | $56,062 | $14,612 |
| University of Houston Houston | $9,711 | $52,799 | $26,000 |
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 Lamar University, approximately 44% 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 19 graduates with reported earnings and 20 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.