Music at University of New Hampshire-Main Campus

UNH's music program distinguishes itself with genuinely strong earnings growth—graduates earning $30,716 initially see their income jump 37% to $42,157 by year four, a trajectory that outpaces typical early-career music graduates. At $27,000 in debt (below the $32,000 national average for bachelor's degrees), the program starts with manageable obligations that represent less than a year's salary even at the lower initial earnings. Among New Hampshire's five music programs, UNH sits at the median for both earnings and debt, but performs in the 64th percentile nationally—meaning it outearns most music programs across the country.

The year-four earnings figure matters more than the starting salary here, since many music careers involve piecing together income streams early on before consolidating into more stable positions. The debt load is reasonable enough that graduates can service payments while building their careers, though families should recognize that even the stronger four-year earnings won't deliver the financial cushion that healthcare or engineering graduates enjoy.

For students genuinely committed to music, this program offers a practical path: moderate debt, above-average outcomes for the field, and meaningful earnings progression. It won't be a lucrative investment compared to most bachelor's degrees, but it's positioned in the top third of music programs nationally without burdening graduates with excessive debt.