Music at The University of Texas at San Antonio

UTSA's music program stands out nationally but tells a more nuanced story within Texas. At $47,010 first-year earnings, graduates earn 80% more than the typical music major nationwide—a remarkable outcome that places the program in the 95th percentile nationally. However, that same figure sits at the Texas median, meaning roughly half of music programs in the state deliver similar or better results.

The debt picture is reasonable at $24,570, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 that's better than both state and national medians. Earnings grow modestly to $50,800 by year four, suggesting stable employment rather than rapid career acceleration. For context, several Texas programs—including Sam Houston State and UT Rio Grande Valley—place graduates at $56,000+ within a year, though UTSA's outcome still significantly outpaces what music majors typically earn elsewhere in the country.

For families evaluating this program, the question centers on expectations. If you're comparing it to music programs nationwide, UTSA delivers exceptional value with earnings that dwarf the $26,036 national median. Within Texas, it's solid but not exceptional—a middle-of-the-pack performer that still offers reasonable debt and earnings well above what most music majors can expect. Given UTSA's accessibility and Pell grant enrollment, it represents a viable path for students committed to music who want earnings that can support independent living.