Music at Western Washington University

Western Washington University's music program shows first-year earnings well below what graduates can expect elsewhere in Washington, ranking in just the 10th percentile statewide. That $15,834 starting figure trails not only competitive programs like Northwest University ($31,179) but also the state median of $25,027 by roughly $10,000. While earnings nearly double by year four to $30,978, graduates are still playing catch-up compared to their peers at Central Washington or University of Puget Sound, who start closer to where WWU graduates end up.

The relatively modest debt load of $20,055—lower than both state and national medians—provides some cushion, but those first few years could be financially challenging. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.27 means graduates owe more than they'll earn in their first year, though this gap closes as earnings improve. For context, this is better than some arts programs, but it's worth noting that even at year four, earnings remain just above the state's starting median for music graduates.

The critical caveat: this data comes from a very small sample of fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes may vary significantly. If your child is passionate about music and has realistic expectations about the financial trajectory, WWU offers an affordable entry point. However, they should be prepared for lean early years and understand that stronger-performing music programs exist within Washington.