Music at University of North Carolina at Greensboro

UNC Greensboro's music program starts alarmingly low—graduates earn just $15,670 in their first year out, placing this program in the bottom 10% both nationally and among North Carolina music programs. The 1.66 debt-to-earnings ratio in year one reflects a particularly difficult launch period where graduates are likely cobbling together adjunct teaching, gigs, and part-time work. At typical institutions, a music degree means modest but steady earnings from the start; here, it means near-poverty wages immediately after graduation.

The dramatic turnaround to $38,820 by year four changes the calculus considerably. That 148% growth rate suggests many graduates eventually find stable positions—perhaps as full-time music educators in public schools once they complete certification requirements, or through building sustainable freelance careers. By year four, earnings exceed both state and national medians for music programs. Still, the $26,000 debt load means graduates spend those crucial early years servicing loans while earning barely enough to live on.

For families who can financially support their student through those first challenging years—covering rent, loan payments, or healthcare—this program may ultimately deliver solid outcomes for a music major. But students who need to be financially independent immediately after graduation will face genuine hardship. The question isn't whether this degree can lead to a viable career, but whether your family can weather the extremely difficult transition period.