Music at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

UC Denver's music program produces graduates earning about $30,000 initially, climbing to $36,000 four years out—figures that place it solidly in the middle of the pack both nationally and among Colorado's 16 music programs. With relatively modest debt of $27,000 (lower than 75% of music programs nationwide), graduates face a manageable repayment burden with a debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0. The 22% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates are finding their footing in notoriously competitive music careers, though they're still earning well below Colorado State's music grads who average $38,000.

For music majors, these numbers represent a realistic financial picture rather than a cautionary tale. Music degrees rarely lead to high initial earnings anywhere—the national median sits at just $26,000—so UC Denver's outcomes are actually competitive within the field. The combination of below-average debt and slightly above-average earnings makes this one of the more financially sensible music programs in the state, particularly compared to University of Denver's program where graduates earn $7,000 less annually despite likely paying higher tuition.

The real question is whether your child is committed enough to music to accept starting salaries in the $30,000 range. If they're serious about pursuing music professionally, UC Denver offers adequate training without drowning them in debt, which matters more in this field than prestige. Just make sure they understand they'll need side income or graduate training to reach middle-class earnings.