Music at University of Northern Colorado

University of Northern Colorado's music graduates start with first-year earnings just under $27,000—a figure that sits squarely at Colorado's median but slightly above the national average for music degrees. The modest $24,354 debt load means graduates aren't drowning in payments, with a debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0. However, the concerning detail here is that earnings actually slip by 4% over four years rather than growing, suggesting graduates may face challenges finding sustainable career footing in music.

Within Colorado's competitive music education landscape, UNC holds middle ground. It trails Colorado State's $38,000 first-year earnings by a significant margin, though it outperforms Metro State's sub-$20,000 figure. The fact that UNC ranks at the 60th percentile statewide means you're getting better-than-average outcomes for a Colorado music program—not exceptional, but reliably above the median.

For parents, this comes down to expectations and backup plans. If your child is pursuing music with clear professional goals and awareness that income may plateau early, the manageable debt makes this a reasonable choice. The earnings don't grow over time, which is atypical, so this degree works best when paired with either strong networking in Colorado's music scene or flexibility to pivot into adjacent careers like education or arts administration where the bachelor's credential opens doors.