Analysis
Wheaton College's Music degree starts below the state median for Illinois music programs, with first-year earnings of $26,540 trailing the state's $28,137 by about 6%. Among 46 Illinois music programs, this ranks in just the 40th percentile—meaning roughly 60% of comparable programs in the state deliver higher starting earnings. For reference, Northern Illinois University's music graduates earn $42,830 early on, while Eastern Illinois University's earn $37,163.
The silver lining is solid earnings growth: graduates see a 43% jump to $38,034 by year four, pushing them above the national median. With $24,556 in debt at graduation, the debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio of 0.93 is reasonable by music degree standards. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers might not be stable—a few outliers could significantly shift the picture in either direction.
If your child is committed to music and specifically drawn to Wheaton's environment, the manageable debt load offers some flexibility for the uncertain early earning years that come with most music careers. But purely on earnings potential within Illinois, there are clearly stronger options in the state system that deliver both better starting salaries and lower costs.
Where Wheaton College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all music bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Wheaton College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheaton College | $26,540 | $38,034 | +43% |
| Eastern Illinois University | $37,163 | $47,898 | +29% |
| Western Illinois University | $32,666 | $42,061 | +29% |
| Northwestern University | $34,823 | $39,940 | +15% |
| Illinois State University | $32,853 | $37,981 | +16% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Music bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (46 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Wheaton CollegeWheaton | $43,930 | $26,540 | $38,034 | $24,556 | 0.93 |
 Northern Illinois UniversityDekalb | $12,700 | $42,830 | $25,600 | $29,000 | 0.68 |
 Eastern Illinois UniversityCharleston | $13,403 | $37,163 | $47,898 | $26,300 | 0.71 |
 Northwestern UniversityEvanston | $65,997 | $34,823 | $39,940 | $18,166 | 0.52 |
 Southern Illinois University EdwardsvilleEdwardsville | $12,922 | $34,079 | — | $23,500 | 0.69 |
 Illinois State UniversityNormal | $16,021 | $32,853 | $37,981 | $20,500 | 0.62 |
| National Median | — | $26,036 | — | $26,000 | 1.00 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with music graduates
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Music Directors and Composers
Sound Engineering Technicians
Musicians and Singers
Disc Jockeys, Except Radio
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 Wheaton College, approximately 20% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 27 graduates with reported earnings and 31 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.