Music at William Paterson University of New Jersey

William Paterson's music graduates start at $26,621—right at the state median but trailing the Rutgers campuses by $10,000. However, at the 60th percentile among New Jersey music programs, this program outperforms most in-state alternatives beyond the flagship institutions. The debt load of $26,875 is essentially the state average, creating a manageable 1.01 debt-to-earnings ratio that won't trigger the kind of repayment struggles common in performing arts programs.

The 21% earnings growth to $32,121 by year four suggests graduates are gaining traction in their careers, whether through teaching, performance work, or arts administration. This trajectory matters for music majors, where initial earnings rarely tell the full story of long-term career viability. The program serves a heavily first-generation population (44% Pell recipients) at an accessible institution with a 93% admission rate, making it a realistic option for students who might not gain entry to Rutgers.

For families weighing music programs in New Jersey, William Paterson offers middle-of-the-pack outcomes without the debt premium some private conservatories command. It won't deliver Rutgers-level earnings, but the reasonable debt burden and steady income growth create a foundation for building a music career without financial crisis.