Music at Oberlin College

Oberlin's storied music conservatory commands premium pricing but delivers concerning early-career outcomes. Graduates earn just $17,141 one year out—that's bottom-decile performance both nationally and among Ohio music programs, where the typical grad earns $33,015. Even Ohio's regional campuses (Akron, OU satellites) produce music graduates earning double what Oberlin's do in year one.

The $26,200 median debt sits near national norms, but paired with these anemic early earnings, new graduates face real financial strain. That said, the 26% earnings bump by year four suggests graduates are finding their footing, though $21,518 still lags far behind both state and national benchmarks. This pattern often reflects Oberlin grads pursuing unpaid internships, graduate school, or low-paying artistic residencies—investments that may pay off later but create significant near-term hardship.

For families paying Oberlin's selective-college tuition (9% Pell Grant recipients signals limited aid), these numbers demand a hard conversation. If your child has concrete post-graduation plans—admission to a top graduate program, family connections in the industry, or financial cushioning to weather lean years—Oberlin's reputation may justify the gamble. But if you're expecting the degree itself to provide financial stability, Ohio offers music programs with three times the first-year earning power at lower cost.