Music at Monmouth University

Monmouth's music program starts its graduates below both state and national benchmarks at $24,563, but shows something unusual for a music degree: consistent upward momentum. That 38% earnings jump from year one to year four suggests graduates are finding their footing in competitive markets, though they still land well behind Rutgers campuses that report $36,707 at year one.

The debt load of $26,411 mirrors both state and national medians, resulting in a manageable 1.08 debt-to-earnings ratio—but only because the debt is relatively modest, not because starting earnings are strong. At the 40th percentile among New Jersey music programs, Monmouth graduates earn about $2,000 less initially than the state median, a gap that matters when you're starting near the $25,000 mark. The relatively high admission rate (90%) and moderate SAT scores suggest the school is accessible, but that openness doesn't translate to standout early career outcomes in music.

The growth trajectory is the most encouraging aspect here. Reaching nearly $34,000 by year four puts graduates closer to competitive territory, though still trailing state peers at schools like Rowan and Montclair. For families considering this program, the question becomes whether that slower launch is acceptable given the eventual progress. If your student has clear performance or teaching goals and values Monmouth's environment, the debt burden won't be crushing—but they shouldn't expect the degree to open financial doors quickly.