Music at Northwestern University
Master's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How Northwestern University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Northwestern University graduates earn $21k, placing them in the 14th percentile of all music masters programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Music masters's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (15 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwestern University | $21,290 | $33,182 | — | — |
| Northern Illinois University | $40,434 | $25,968 | — | — |
| Illinois State University | $38,873 | $37,243 | — | — |
| Roosevelt University | $29,974 | $31,806 | — | — |
| DePaul University | $26,615 | $28,190 | — | — |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $23,379 | $34,002 | — | — |
| National Median | $29,974 | — | — | — |
Other Music Programs in Illinois
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Illinois schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Illinois University Dekalb | $12,700 | $40,434 | — |
| Illinois State University Normal | $16,021 | $38,873 | — |
| Roosevelt University Chicago | $20,280 | $29,974 | — |
| DePaul University Chicago | $44,460 | $26,615 | — |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign | $16,004 | $23,379 | — |
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 University, approximately 19% 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.