At $40,853/yr net price, Los Angeles College of Music graduates earn $31,758/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $40,853 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $163,412 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $31,758/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-2,242/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 47.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,938 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $36,635/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $45,328/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $41,755/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $37,778/yr |
| $110,001+ | $44,790/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Music. | Associate | $21,052 |
The Risk Factor
47.4% of students at Los Angeles College of Music graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Los Angeles College of Music delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. With median earnings of $31,758 ten years after graduation against a net price over $40,000 annually, you face a substantial gap between what you pay and what you earn.
The music program, which represents the school's primary focus, shows particularly concerning numbers with median earnings of just $21,052. This puts graduates well below poverty wages in Los Angeles, where housing costs alone can consume most of this income. The 47% graduation rate compounds this risk, meaning over half of students leave without completing their degree while potentially carrying debt.
Your biggest financial risk here is the combination of high private school costs with career outcomes that typically require years to build income streams. Music careers often involve freelance work, teaching, and performance income that takes time to develop, yet you start with nearly $28,000 in median debt.
This school makes financial sense only if you have substantial family support, minimal need for student loans, or already have industry connections that can accelerate your career timeline. The 26% aid rate suggests limited financial assistance compared to other institutions.
If you need student loans to attend, consider community college music programs or state universities with strong music departments instead. The debt-to-income ratio here creates long-term financial stress that can actually hinder your ability to take creative risks early in your music career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles College of Music worth the cost?
With graduates earning $31,758 annually against a net price of $40,853 per year, the financial return is poor. The low graduation rate of 47% adds significant risk to an already expensive investment.
What is the job outlook for Los Angeles College of Music graduates?
Music program graduates earn around $21,052 annually, which is well below the national average and makes loan repayment difficult. The music industry offers limited high-paying entry-level positions.
How much debt do Los Angeles College of Music students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $27,938, which is manageable compared to some schools. However, with graduates earning only $31,758 annually, debt payments will consume a large portion of income.
Does Los Angeles College of Music have good financial aid?
The net price of $40,853 suggests limited financial aid effectiveness for most students. With an 82% acceptance rate, the school is not selective enough to offer substantial merit-based aid.