Music at Ramapo College of New Jersey

Ramapo's music program lands graduates in a financially precarious position, with first-year earnings of $23,127 that struggle to cover the $23,541 in typical debt. While the program charges slightly less than New Jersey's median for music degrees, it also delivers below-median outcomes—ranking in just the 40th percentile among the state's 20 music programs. The Rutgers campuses demonstrate that bachelor's-level music training can yield 60% higher earnings, though Ramapo does edge out the state median by fourth year as earnings climb to $27,083.

The 17% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates eventually find steadier footing in music education, performance, or related fields. However, that debt-to-earnings ratio above 1.0 means new graduates face student loan payments that will strain typical music industry entry-level salaries. For context, this program performs below the national median as well, placing in the 35th percentile nationwide.

For families considering this path, the financial reality is stark: expect your graduate to need supplemental income or family support in those crucial early years while building a music career. If your student is determined to pursue music at a New Jersey public institution, programs at Rutgers or Rowan deliver meaningfully better earning potential for similar educational investment.