Music at New York University

NYU's music program places graduates above the median for New York state but below national averages, yet the troubling pattern here isn't where students start—it's where they end up. Earnings actually decline from $24,398 in year one to $18,612 by year four, a 24% drop that suggests many graduates struggle to establish sustainable careers in music. The $25,000 debt load is manageable at first glance, but when earnings fall below $19,000, that burden becomes considerably heavier.

Within New York, this program ranks in the 60th percentile, performing better than many state alternatives but trailing significantly behind schools like CUNY Hunter ($33,384) and Columbia ($32,924). For a highly selective institution with a 9% admission rate, these outcomes may surprise families expecting premium career prospects to match the prestigious name. The moderate sample size of 30-100 graduates adds some uncertainty to these figures, though the earnings decline is stark enough to warrant attention.

Parents should understand that this reflects music industry realities more than NYU's particular program—most music bachelor's programs struggle with similar patterns. However, at this price point and selectivity level, families deserve to know their child may earn less four years out than immediately after graduation, with debt that could take years to pay down on sub-$20,000 earnings.