Music at Northern Illinois University

Northern Illinois University's music program produces an unusual pattern that requires careful examination. Graduates start strong—$42,830 in their first year places them in the 95th percentile both nationally and within Illinois, well above comparable programs at Eastern Illinois ($37,163) or Northwestern ($34,823). With debt of $29,000, the initial debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68 looks manageable. But here's the problem: by year four, earnings plummet to $25,600, a 40% decline that's difficult to explain through typical career patterns.

This earnings trajectory suggests graduates may be pursuing additional education, transitioning to part-time work, or shifting into lower-paying roles within music. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) means this could reflect the career choices of a specific cohort rather than a consistent pattern, but it's concerning enough to investigate further. Parents should ask the program directly about typical career paths and whether many students pursue graduate degrees or teaching certifications that temporarily reduce earnings.

The bottom line: If your child plans to work immediately after graduation and stay in performance or industry roles, that first-year earning power is genuinely impressive for a music degree. But if the typical path involves graduate school or career transitions that mirror this data, factor in several years of reduced income when calculating return on investment.