Music at Montana State University

Montana State's music program stands out nationally, with first-year earnings of $38,807 placing graduates at the 94th percentile compared to other bachelor's-level music programs across the country. That's roughly $13,000 above the national median for music graduates and well above the 75th percentile benchmark of $34,180. This is genuinely impressive for a field where many graduates struggle financially in their early careers.

The debt picture here relies on estimates—Montana State hasn't reported actual debt figures for this program, so we're using a national median of around $25,000 from similar institutions. If that estimate holds, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65 would be quite manageable for a music degree. However, the earnings trajectory is concerning: graduates actually earn slightly less four years out ($37,240) than they do in their first year, suggesting the local market may have limited growth opportunities once musicians establish themselves.

Here's what matters practically: if your child is passionate about music and debt stays near that $25,000 estimate, the strong starting salary makes this program relatively low-risk for the field. But the flat earnings trajectory means they shouldn't count on significant income growth in their first few years, which could affect long-term financial planning. The standout first-year earnings deserve attention, but verify the actual debt load before committing.