Analysis
University of Central Arkansas's music program graduates earn well above the national average for music majors—$36,465 versus $26,036 nationally—but they're actually trailing the state median of $37,638. Among Arkansas's 19 music programs, this ranks only in the 40th percentile, and nearby University of Arkansas graduates start at $38,811. For in-state students choosing between Arkansas music programs, UCA isn't the top performer despite its strong national showing.
The debt picture is excellent: $29,139 leaves graduates with a manageable 0.80 debt-to-earnings ratio, and this ranks in the 5th percentile nationally for debt burden. Earnings also climb respectably to $44,549 by year four, a 22% gain that suggests graduates find stable footing in their careers. For a music degree—where many programs saddle students with debt exceeding first-year earnings—UCA keeps costs reasonable.
The caveat here is sample size: fewer than 30 recent graduates means a few outliers could skew these numbers significantly. Still, if your child is set on studying music and plans to stay in Arkansas, UCA offers a relatively safe financial path. Just know they're not getting the state's strongest music outcomes, even if they're clearing the low national bar by a comfortable margin.
Where University of Central Arkansas Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all music bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Central Arkansas graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Central Arkansas | $36,465 | $44,549 | +22% |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | $32,880 | $57,343 | +74% |
| University of Houston | $52,799 | $55,639 | +5% |
| The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | $56,373 | $55,090 | -2% |
| University of Arkansas | $38,811 | $40,883 | +5% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Arkansas
Music bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arkansas (19 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Central ArkansasConway | $10,118 | $36,465 | $44,549 | $29,139 | 0.80 |
 University of ArkansasFayetteville | $9,748 | $38,811 | $40,883 | $27,000 | 0.70 |
| National Median | — | $26,036 | — | $26,000 | 1.00 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with music graduates
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Music Directors and Composers
Sound Engineering Technicians
Musicians and Singers
Disc Jockeys, Except Radio
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Central Arkansas, approximately 37% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 20 graduates with reported earnings and 27 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.