Music at Stetson University

Stetson's music program starts graduates at a difficult $15,905—in the bottom 5% nationally and well below Florida's $21,588 median for music programs. That first-year figure ranks the program in just the 25th percentile statewide, meaning three-quarters of Florida music programs launch their graduates at higher salaries. With $26,548 in debt, new graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.67, requiring them to earn substantially more just to break even.

The 94% earnings jump to $30,783 by year four shows meaningful career progression, eventually surpassing both state and national medians. However, this rebound doesn't fully offset the weak starting position. Florida International and Full Sail graduates earn $25,000+ in their first year—giving them a $10,000 head start that compounds over time. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) provides reasonable confidence in these patterns.

For parents funding this degree, the reality is stark: expect your child to struggle financially for several years post-graduation, even with substantial earnings growth. The program's below-average starting salary means graduates will likely need financial support or supplemental income while establishing their careers. If your family has limited resources or your child will shoulder this debt independently, stronger-performing Florida programs offer better initial earning power at similar or lower debt levels.