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 is a financial gamble that mostly loses. You pay over $40,000 a year, and ten years after enrolling the median graduate earns $31,758. That figure sits below what many people make without any degree at all, and it comes after you have taken on a median debt near $28,000. The math does not work for most people who attend here.
The earnings number is the core problem. Music careers pay unevenly, and this school's median outcome tells you that most graduates land in low-paying work or leave the field. A salary that low against a net price this high means your debt payments can eat a real share of your income for years. There is no bachelor-level program data listed to point you toward a major that pays off, so treat the low median as the expected result, not a floor.
The completion picture adds risk. Fewer than half of students graduate, and about a third do not return after the first year. If you borrow, start, and leave without a degree, you carry the debt with none of the credential.
The net price tiers are worth reading carefully. If your family earns under $30,000, you still pay $36,635, and if you earn between $30,000 and $48,000 you pay the most on the list at $45,328. Aid here does not scale down meaningfully for lower-income families, so do not expect need-based discounts to rescue the price.
This school makes financial sense only if you can pay most of the cost without loans and you want the specific training it offers for reasons beyond earnings. If you need your degree to pay for itself, look elsewhere.
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.