Music at Wheaton College
Bachelor's Degree
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Wheaton College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Wheaton College graduates earn $27k, placing them in the 52th percentile of all music bachelors 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 Illinois
Music bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (46 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheaton College | $26,540 | $38,034 | $24,556 | 0.93 |
| Northern Illinois University | $42,830 | $25,600 | $29,000 | 0.68 |
| Eastern Illinois University | $37,163 | $47,898 | $26,300 | 0.71 |
| Northwestern University | $34,823 | $39,940 | $18,166 | 0.52 |
| Southern Illinois University Edwardsville | $34,079 | — | $23,500 | 0.69 |
| Illinois State University | $32,853 | $37,981 | $20,500 | 0.62 |
| National Median | $26,036 | — | $26,000 | 1.00 |
Other Music Programs in Illinois
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Illinois schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Illinois University Dekalb | $12,700 | $42,830 | $29,000 |
| Eastern Illinois University Charleston | $13,403 | $37,163 | $26,300 |
| Northwestern University Evanston | $65,997 | $34,823 | $18,166 |
| Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Edwardsville | $12,922 | $34,079 | $23,500 |
| Illinois State University Normal | $16,021 | $32,853 | $20,500 |
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.