by our College Data Analytics Team
[Music](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/music/) graduates earn very different salaries depending on where they study. The highest-paying schools turn a music degree into the strongest early-career earnings.
College Factual analyzed 7 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the highest-paying music schools.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools send music graduates into the highest-paying careers, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked Murray State University the top school for music graduate earnings in Kentucky. Located in the town of Murray, Murray State University is a public institution. Music graduates of Murray State University earn a median of about $46,197 a year early in their careers.
Western Kentucky University produces some of the highest-paid graduates in music, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Bowling Green, Western Kentucky University is a public institution. Students who complete the music program here go on to a median salary of roughly $43,735.
Strong graduate earnings at Northern Kentucky University earned it the #3 place for music. Northern Kentucky University is a public school located in the suburb of Highland Heights. Students who complete the music program here go on to a median salary of roughly $41,644.
A rank of #4 makes Eastern Kentucky University one of the highest-paying schools for music. Located in the town of Richmond, Eastern Kentucky University is a public institution. Early-career music graduates from Eastern Kentucky University make a median of around $38,429 per year.
Strong graduate earnings at Morehead State University earned it the #5 place for music. Morehead State University is a public school located in the town of Morehead. After graduating, music degree recipients from Morehead State University typically earn about $35,822 annually.
University Of Kentucky came in at #6 for music graduate earnings this year. Located in the city of Lexington, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. Early-career music graduates from University Of Kentucky make a median of around $36,411 per year.
University Of Louisville came in at #7 for music graduate earnings this year. University Of Louisville is a public school located in the city of Louisville. Music graduates of University Of Louisville earn a median of about $39,782 a year early in their careers.
The ranking above is published by College Factual, 2026 edition. The methodology measures the salaries music graduates go on to earn early in their careers, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard field-of-study earnings and IPEDS).
Ranking method: College Major Earnings · 7 schools evaluated.
*Salary figures reflect median early-career earnings (about 5 years after graduation) and may vary by how long a person takes to complete their degree.
More about our data sources and methodologies.