Median Earnings (1yr)
$21,399
25th percentile
60th percentile in California
Median Debt
$22,625
15% above national median

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

Earnings Distribution

How Los Angeles Film School graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Los Angeles Film School$21,399$24,634+15%
International College of Broadcasting$35,491$23,042-35%
Valencia College$22,985$20,404-11%

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Music associates's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Los Angeles Film SchoolHollywoodโ€”$21,399$24,634$22,6251.06
International College of BroadcastingDayton$12,430$35,491$23,042$27,3000.77
Full Sail UniversityWinter Park$26,417$23,018โ€”$27,0001.17
Valencia CollegeOrlando$2,474$22,985$20,404$10,5750.46
Atlanta Institute of Music and MediaDuluthโ€”$16,086โ€”$19,6871.22
National Medianโ€”$22,985โ€”$19,6870.86

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 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.