Analysis
The $47,010 first-year earnings estimate for this music degree—drawn from the Texas median for bachelor's programs in music—sits right at the state average but substantially above the $26,036 national median. That gap matters: it suggests Texas music graduates generally fare better than their counterparts elsewhere, though with 59 programs statewide, outcomes vary considerably. The top-performing Texas music programs report first-year earnings reaching $56,000-$60,000, indicating that where you study and what connections you build within Texas's diverse music markets can significantly impact results.
At an estimated $23,500 in debt (based on similar Our Lady of the Lake programs), the financial picture appears manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50. That's below both the national and state median debt for music degrees, which typically runs around $26,000. For a field where many graduates pursue portfolio careers combining performance, teaching, and other music work, starting with less debt provides crucial flexibility during the early career years when income streams are often irregular.
The catch is that none of these figures reflect actual outcomes from Our Lady of the Lake's music program specifically—they're estimates based on peer programs. Given that more than half of students here receive Pell grants, understanding the school's particular network within San Antonio's music scene and its track record for helping graduates build sustainable careers matters enormously. Request detailed placement information and connect with recent alumni before committing.
Where Our Lady of the Lake University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all music bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Music bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (59 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $31,728 | $47,010* | — | $23,500* | — | |
| $9,228 | $59,926* | $45,889 | $28,000* | 0.47 | |
| $9,859 | $56,373* | $55,090 | $20,920* | 0.37 | |
| $9,892 | $56,072* | $53,695 | $31,000* | 0.55 | |
| $9,744 | $56,062* | — | $14,612* | 0.26 | |
| $9,711 | $52,799* | $55,639 | $26,000* | 0.49 | |
| National Median | — | $26,036* | — | $26,000* | 1.00 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with music graduates
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Music Directors and Composers
Sound Engineering Technicians
Musicians and Singers
Disc Jockeys, Except Radio
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 Our Lady of the Lake University, approximately 57% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 21 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.