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
Earnings Distribution
How Lamar University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lamar University | $42,328 | $47,769 | +13% |
| University of Houston | $52,799 | $55,639 | +5% |
| The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | $56,373 | $55,090 | -2% |
| Texas A&M University-Kingsville | $56,072 | $53,695 | -4% |
| The University of Texas at San Antonio | $47,010 | $50,800 | +8% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Music bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (59 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Lamar UniversityBeaumont | $8,690 | $42,328 | $47,769 | $26,407 | 0.62 |
 Sam Houston State UniversityHuntsville | $9,228 | $59,926 | $45,889 | $28,000 | 0.47 |
 The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyEdinburg | $9,859 | $56,373 | $55,090 | $20,920 | 0.37 |
 Texas A&M University-KingsvilleKingsville | $9,892 | $56,072 | $53,695 | $31,000 | 0.55 |
 The University of Texas at El PasoEl Paso | $9,744 | $56,062 | — | $14,612 | 0.26 |
 University of HoustonHouston | $9,711 | $52,799 | $55,639 | $26,000 | 0.49 |
| National Median | — | $26,036 | — | $26,000 | 1.00 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with music graduates
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Music Directors and Composers
Sound Engineering Technicians
Musicians and Singers
Disc Jockeys, Except Radio
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.