Music at Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
A first-year salary under $24,000 places Northwestern State's music graduates well behind their Louisiana peers—this program ranks in just the 25th percentile statewide, with earnings $6,400 below the state median and nearly half what graduates from Southeastern Louisiana earn. While the debt load of $22,885 seems manageable in absolute terms, it represents almost a full year's salary, and the small sample size (fewer than 30 graduates tracked) means these outcomes could swing significantly in either direction for any given cohort.
The combination of below-average earnings and relatively high debt is particularly concerning for a creative field where many graduates supplement performance work with teaching or other income sources. Northwestern State serves a significant population of first-generation college students, and at 94% admission, accessibility is clearly part of the mission. But families should understand that Louisiana offers music programs with substantially stronger earning outcomes at similar public institutions.
If your child is committed to music at Northwestern State, the financial picture suggests they'll need a clear plan for supplemental income or graduate study to make the debt manageable. The wider Louisiana market shows music degrees *can* lead to middle-class earnings—just not reliably from this particular program based on current data.
Where Northwestern State University of Louisiana Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all music bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Northwestern State University of Louisiana graduates compare to all programs nationally
Northwestern State University of Louisiana graduates earn $24k, placing them in the 37th percentile of all music bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Louisiana
Music bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Louisiana (18 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwestern State University of Louisiana | $23,529 | — | $22,885 | 0.97 |
| Southeastern Louisiana University | $41,404 | $36,779 | $30,745 | 0.74 |
| McNeese State University | $36,305 | — | $23,250 | 0.64 |
| University of Louisiana at Lafayette | $13,479 | — | $25,115 | 1.86 |
| National Median | $26,036 | — | $26,000 | 1.00 |
Other Music Programs in Louisiana
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Louisiana schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southeastern Louisiana University Hammond | $8,373 | $41,404 | $30,745 |
| McNeese State University Lake Charles | $8,460 | $36,305 | $23,250 |
| University of Louisiana at Lafayette Lafayette | $10,418 | $13,479 | $25,115 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Northwestern State University of Louisiana, approximately 35% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 17 graduates with reported earnings and 20 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.