Median Earnings (1yr)
$31,336
66th percentile
60th percentile in Connecticut
Median Debt
$25,000
4% below national median

Analysis

UConn's music program graduates earn $31,336 in their first year—about $5,300 more than the national median for music degrees and right at Connecticut's median. With debt of $25,000, graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.80, meaning they owe less than a year's salary. The 29% earnings growth to $40,283 by year four suggests meaningful career progression, though keep in mind these figures come from a small sample of fewer than 30 graduates, which can make the numbers less reliable.

What makes this program potentially more attractive is its broader institutional strength. UConn's 54% admission rate and average SAT of 1338 indicate a selective university where music students benefit from the overall academic environment and alumni network of a flagship state institution. That context matters when thinking about career opportunities beyond performance—arts administration, education, or pivoting to other fields entirely.

The trade-off here is typical for music: you're not chasing high earnings, but UConn's graduates do better than most music majors nationally (66th percentile). If your child is committed to music and wants a solid university experience, this works. The debt is reasonable enough that it won't derail other life goals, even on arts-sector salaries. Just remember that small sample caveat—these outcomes could shift with more data.

Where University of Connecticut Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all music bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How University of Connecticut graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Connecticut$31,336$40,283+29%
University of New Haven$22,171$42,021+90%
University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus$31,336$40,283+29%
University of Connecticut-Stamford$31,336$40,283+29%
University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus$31,336$40,283+29%

Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut

Music bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (17 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of ConnecticutStorrs$20,366$31,336$40,283$25,0000.80
University of Connecticut-Waterbury CampusWaterbury$17,462$31,336$40,283$25,0000.80
University of Connecticut-Avery PointGroton$17,462$31,336$40,283$25,0000.80
University of Connecticut-StamfordStamford$17,472$31,336$40,283$25,0000.80
University of Connecticut-Hartford CampusHartford$17,452$31,336$40,283$25,0000.80
University of HartfordWest Hartford$47,647$24,511$26,578$27,0001.10
National Median—$26,036—$26,0001.00

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with music graduates

Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Music Directors and Composers

Conduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical artists or groups, such as orchestras, bands, choirs, and glee clubs; or create original works of music.

$63,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Sound Engineering Technicians

Assemble and operate equipment to record, synchronize, mix, edit, or reproduce sound, including music, voices, or sound effects, for theater, video, film, television, podcasts, sporting events, and other productions.

$56,600/yrJobs growth:

Musicians and Singers

Play one or more musical instruments or sing. May perform on stage, for broadcasting, or for sound or video recording.

Jobs growth:No formal educational credential

Disc Jockeys, Except Radio

Play prerecorded music for live audiences at venues or events such as clubs, parties, or wedding receptions. May use techniques such as mixing, cutting, or sampling to manipulate recordings. May also perform as emcee (master of ceremonies).

Jobs growth:
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 Connecticut, approximately 24% 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 18 graduates with reported earnings and 45 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.