Music at Towson University

Towson's music program starts graduates at just under $20,000 annually—well below the national median for music majors—but here's the twist: this places them right at Maryland's median for music programs. In a state where Johns Hopkins music grads actually earn less and UMBC graduates earn only $4,000 more, Towson isn't an outlier. The challenge is that music programs across Maryland appear to struggle compared to national standards, with all Maryland schools clustering in the lower third nationally.

The debt picture offers some relief. At $19,102, Towson graduates carry about $4,000 less than the typical Maryland music major and $7,000 less than the national median. That nearly 1:1 debt-to-earnings ratio in year one improves as graduates gain experience—earnings jump 42% by year four to nearly $28,000. For a field where starting salaries are inherently low and many graduates pursue portfolio careers, gig work, or graduate school, managing debt becomes paramount.

One critical caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so individual circumstances heavily influence these numbers. If your child is serious about music and Maryland residency makes Towson affordable, the contained debt is its strongest selling point. But have an honest conversation about backup plans and supplemental income during those early career years, because even with growth, these earnings will require careful financial management.