Music at University of Southern California
Master's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How University of Southern California graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Southern California graduates earn $28k, placing them in the 36th percentile of all music masters programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Music masters's programs at peer institutions in California (34 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Southern California | $27,510 | $30,299 | — | — |
| California State University-Northridge | $37,985 | $48,814 | — | — |
| Azusa Pacific University | $37,001 | — | — | — |
| San Francisco Conservatory of Music | $35,025 | $31,543 | — | — |
| California State University-Long Beach | $25,480 | — | — | — |
| California Institute of the Arts | $17,850 | $29,938 | — | — |
| National Median | $29,974 | — | — | — |
Other Music Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| California State University-Northridge Northridge | $7,095 | $37,985 | — |
| Azusa Pacific University Azusa | $43,600 | $37,001 | — |
| San Francisco Conservatory of Music San Francisco | $54,550 | $35,025 | — |
| California State University-Long Beach Long Beach | $7,008 | $25,480 | — |
| California Institute of the Arts Valencia | $56,724 | $17,850 | — |
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 Southern California, approximately 22% 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.