Music at University of Tulsa

University of Tulsa's music graduates earn nearly 70% more than the typical music major in Oklahoma—$32,253 versus the state median of $19,144. This places the program in the 95th percentile statewide, substantially outperforming even Oklahoma's other private universities. Nationally, these graduates also fare better than most, landing in the 69th percentile for music program earnings. That's a meaningful edge in a field where low starting salaries are common.

The debt load of $21,500 is actually below the national median for music programs ($26,000), though the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67 means graduates are borrowing about eight months of their first year's salary. This is manageable compared to many arts programs, where ratios often exceed 1.0. The combination of relatively modest debt and above-average earnings creates a more favorable financial picture than you'll find at most music schools.

The critical caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes may vary more than usual. Still, the pattern is clear—if your child is committed to studying music, University of Tulsa appears to provide stronger earning potential than nearly every alternative in Oklahoma, without the crushing debt loads that often accompany conservatory programs. For in-state tuition especially, that's a compelling advantage.