Music at Texas Southmost College

In Texas, music programs range from modest-earning to surprisingly strong performers, with top programs like Sam Houston State producing graduates earning nearly $60,000 in their first year. Based on comparable programs statewide, Texas Southmost College's music bachelor's likely falls in the middle of this range at around $47,000—significantly higher than the $26,000 national median for music degrees. With estimated debt near $26,000, graduates would face monthly payments of roughly $290, taking about 18% of gross monthly income.

The catch is that both figures are estimates drawn from peer programs across Texas, since this specific program's graduate cohort was too small for the Department of Education to publish data. Similar programs in the state suggest the debt load is manageable relative to earnings, but actual outcomes here could vary considerably depending on factors like whether graduates stay in the Rio Grande Valley (where cost of living is lower but opportunities may be more limited) or migrate to larger Texas markets.

For a music degree, these estimated numbers look reasonably solid compared to national norms, but the lack of program-specific data means you're making an investment without seeing this particular school's track record. If your student has acceptance offers from programs with reported outcomes—especially those showing first-year earnings above $50,000—those provide more certainty about what to expect after graduation.