Music at University of Akron Main Campus

The University of Akron's music program shows strong initial outcomes—first-year graduates earn $36,293, placing them in the 83rd percentile nationally and above both Ohio and national medians for music degrees. With $25,062 in median debt, that's a manageable 0.69 debt-to-earnings ratio right out of college. Among Ohio's 50 music programs, this ranks solidly in the 60th percentile for earnings, though it falls just below the state median.

The concern here is the sharp earnings drop by year four, when graduates' median income falls to just $20,205. This 44% decline warrants serious consideration, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) makes it hard to draw firm conclusions about whether this reflects the typical path for Akron music graduates or simply the reality of music careers, where income can fluctuate based on gig work, teaching positions, or career pivots. Music as a field often sees variable income patterns, but this is a particularly steep decline.

For families considering this program, the initial return looks reasonable compared to other music degrees, but they should prepare for potentially volatile earnings in the years following graduation. The modest debt load provides some cushion, but students will likely need flexibility in their living expenses and potentially supplemental income streams during their early career years.