Music at The Catholic University of America

Catholic University's music program starts graduates at a salary below the national median ($23,856 versus $26,036), but delivers something uncommon for music majors: strong earnings growth. By year four, graduates reach $35,385—a 48% increase that places them near the 75th percentile nationally and comfortably ahead of the typical trajectory for music degrees.

The debt load of $24,625 is slightly better than the national norm for this field, and the 1.03 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates face roughly one year's salary in loans—manageable if that upward earnings trend continues. Within DC's small music program market, this program ranks in the 60th percentile, suggesting it outperforms most local alternatives. The relatively low Pell grant enrollment (17%) indicates a student body that may have additional financial resources to weather the lean early years.

The real question is sustainability: will that year-four salary mark the beginning of a viable career, or the ceiling? Music degrees notoriously lead to bifurcated outcomes, with some graduates finding steady arts administration or education work while others cobble together gigs. For families who can comfortably support their child through those first low-earning years, this program shows promise. For those counting on immediate financial independence after graduation, the $24K starting salary is a serious constraint, even with the encouraging growth rate.