Music at McNeese State University

McNeese State's music program produces first-year earnings of $36,305—substantially above the national median of $26,036 and placing it in the 84th percentile nationwide. That's a notable achievement for a regional university with a 68% admission rate. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift considerably year to year, and within Louisiana, the program sits closer to the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile.

The $23,250 debt load is actually lower than both national and state medians for music degrees, yielding a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64. A music graduate here would devote roughly eight months of their first year's salary to debt repayment—far better than many arts programs nationally. Still, it's worth noting that music careers often follow unpredictable paths, and first-year earnings may not reflect long-term potential in performance, education, or other music fields.

For Louisiana families considering in-state music programs, McNeese appears competitive but not exceptional. Southeastern Louisiana University's music graduates earn $41,404 in their first year, a full $5,000 more, though such comparisons come with the caveat of small, variable samples. If your child is serious about music and McNeese offers the right faculty connections or performance opportunities, the debt burden here won't handcuff their early career.