Music at Ohio University-Main Campus

Ohio University's music program offers a relatively rare combination for this field: above-average earnings with manageable debt. While $36,252 might seem modest in absolute terms, it ranks in the 83rd percentile nationally among music programs—well above the typical $26,036 first-year earnings. In Ohio specifically, this places graduates near the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile, essentially matching outcomes at other competitive state programs like Akron.

The debt picture makes this particularly appealing. At $27,000, graduates carry right around the national median for music degrees, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74—meaning most could realistically pay off their loans within a few years even on entry-level arts salaries. That's substantially better than many arts programs where debt can easily exceed annual earnings. The modest 3% earnings growth from year one to year four is typical for music careers, which tend to plateau early as graduates establish themselves in teaching, performance, or arts administration roles.

For families comfortable with music as a career path, this program delivers solid preparation without the crushing debt load that can make arts degrees financially untenable. The 85% admission rate means access is reasonable, and you're getting outcomes that outperform most music programs nationwide while keeping costs in check.