Location: Evanston, IL•In-State Tuition: $65,997•Admission Rate: 7%•Avg SAT: 1526
Median Earnings (1yr)
$21,290
14th percentile
25th percentile in Illinois
Sample: 54 graduates

Earnings Distribution

How Northwestern University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Northwestern University earns $21k — 14th percentile among music masters programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Northwestern University$21,290$33,182+56%
Illinois State University$38,873$37,243-4%
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign$23,379$34,002+45%
Roosevelt University$29,974$31,806+6%
DePaul University$26,615$28,190+6%

Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois

Music masters's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (15 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Northwestern UniversityEvanston$65,997$21,290$33,182——
Northern Illinois UniversityDekalb$12,700$40,434$25,968——
Illinois State UniversityNormal$16,021$38,873$37,243——
Roosevelt UniversityChicago$20,280$29,974$31,806——
DePaul UniversityChicago$44,460$26,615$28,190——
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign$16,004$23,379$34,002——
National Median—$29,974———

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with music graduates

Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Music Directors and Composers

Conduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical artists or groups, such as orchestras, bands, choirs, and glee clubs; or create original works of music.

$63,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Sound Engineering Technicians

Assemble and operate equipment to record, synchronize, mix, edit, or reproduce sound, including music, voices, or sound effects, for theater, video, film, television, podcasts, sporting events, and other productions.

$56,600/yrJobs growth:

Musicians and Singers

Play one or more musical instruments or sing. May perform on stage, for broadcasting, or for sound or video recording.

Jobs growth:No formal educational credential

Disc Jockeys, Except Radio

Play prerecorded music for live audiences at venues or events such as clubs, parties, or wedding receptions. May use techniques such as mixing, cutting, or sampling to manipulate recordings. May also perform as emcee (master of ceremonies).

Jobs growth:
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.