Music at Rider University

Rider University's music program starts graduates at $20,727—significantly below both the New Jersey median ($26,621) and national average ($26,036) for music degrees. Ranking in just the 25th percentile among New Jersey music programs, it trails substantially behind the state's flagship options: all three Rutgers campuses report earnings nearly 80% higher at $36,707.

The earnings trajectory does improve, with graduates reaching $29,670 by year four—a 43% increase that suggests the program may be building relevant skills. However, even with this growth, graduates remain below what peers at other New Jersey schools earn immediately after graduation. The $27,000 debt load is roughly average for music programs, but when you're starting at under $21,000 annually, that 1.30 debt-to-earnings ratio creates real financial pressure in those crucial early years.

For families considering this program, the central question is whether Rider's specific strengths in music pedagogy or performance justify the higher cost and lower initial outcomes compared to public alternatives. If your child can access similar training at Montclair State or Rowan—both showing stronger early earnings while likely offering lower in-state tuition—that's worth serious consideration. This could work for a student with clear connections to Rider's faculty or performance opportunities, but the financial math suggests exploring New Jersey's public options first.