Median Earnings (1yr)
$21,399
25th percentile (60th in CA)
Median Debt
$22,625
15% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
1.06
Elevated
Sample Size
563
Adequate data

Analysis

This Music associate's degree program delivers surprisingly competitive results within California, ranking in the 60th percentile among state programs despite falling to the 25th percentile nationally. The $21,399 first-year earnings actually match California's median for music programs, suggesting the school performs right at the state standard rather than lagging behind local competition.

The debt picture is manageable with a 1.06 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates earn roughly what they borrowed in their first year. At $22,625, the debt load sits near both state and national medians for music programs, while the 15% earnings growth from year one to year four shows solid career progression. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates makes these figures reliable.

However, the broader context matters: music associate's degrees typically lead to modest starting salaries regardless of school, and this program's national ranking reflects those industry-wide realities. The 65% Pell Grant rate indicates the school serves many lower-income students who may have limited alternatives. For families specifically considering California music programs, this represents a middle-of-the-pack option with reasonable debt levels and steady earnings growth, though expectations should remain realistic about music industry compensation overall.

Where Los Angeles Film School Stands

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

Los Angeles Film SchoolOther music programs

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 Los Angeles Film School graduates compare to all programs nationally

Los Angeles Film School graduates earn $21k, placing them in the 25th percentile of all music associates 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 California

Music associates's programs at peer institutions in California (92 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Los Angeles Film School$21,399$24,634$22,6251.06
National Median$22,985$19,6870.86

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 Los Angeles Film School, approximately 65% 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 563 graduates with reported earnings and 841 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.