Music Education Degree in Dallas, TX — Salary & ROI 2026
Music Education degree analysis for Dallas, TX. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$52K
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$57K
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
6.5 yrs
in Dallas
Cost of Living
104
index (100 = avg)
Music Education in Dallas, TX Overview
Dallas is one of Texas's top college towns, with 82 institutions and a student population of 75,338. Public tuition averages $11,274/year here — well below the national average, making it a cost-effective choice. Although national enrollment in Music Education has been declining, graduates with skills in Music Theory and Conducting remain competitive in the job market. The adjusted starting salary in Dallas is approximately $52,000.
Category
Education
Local Colleges
82
Public Tuition
$11,274/yr
Private Tuition
$58,540/yr
Room & Board
$13,911/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$14,498/yr
Unemployment
6.7%
Graduation Rate
73%
Music Education Salary in Dallas (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Dallas's cost of living index of 104 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Music Education salary: $50,000 starting, $55,000 mid-career, $65,000 senior level.Dallas adjustment factor: 1.04x based on the local cost of living index.
Music Education ROI Calculator for Dallas
Estimate your return on investment for a Music Education degree using local Dallas tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $11,274 | Private avg: $58,540
Dallas avg aid: $14,498/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$100,740
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$15,600
vs HS diploma in Dallas
ROI Payback Period
6.5 years
to break even
Lifetime Return in Dallas
$159,260
Lifetime earnings premium ($260,000) minus total education cost ($100,740)
Student Loan Payoff for Music Education in Dallas
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Dallas for Music Education
University of Texas at Dallas
public
$14,032/yr
$56,128 total
Southern Methodist University
private
$58,540/yr
$234,160 total
University of North Texas at Dallas
public
$8,516/yr
$34,064 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Dallas College
$2,220/yr
Top Employers for Music Education in Dallas
Dallas offers opportunities in School districts, Universities, EdTech companies for Music Education graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Dallas Hiring Sectors for Education
School districts
Universities
EdTech companies
Non-profits
Training organizations
Common Music Education Job Titles
Music Education in Nearby Texas Cities
Houston, TX
$58K starting · COL 115
90 colleges
San Antonio, TX
$60K starting · COL 120
58 colleges
Austin, TX
$54K starting · COL 107
30 colleges
Fort Worth, TX
$51K starting · COL 101
19 colleges
El Paso, TX
$47K starting · COL 93
38 colleges
Arlington, TX
$47K starting · COL 93.5
14 colleges
Corpus Christi, TX
$41K starting · COL 82
22 colleges
Plano, TX
$43K starting · COL 85
9 colleges
Other Education Majors in Dallas
Instructional Design & Technology
$52K starting · 3.8 yr ROI
Educational Psychology
$52K starting · 5 yr ROI
Higher Education Administration
$52K starting · 5.2 yr ROI
Elementary Education
$52K starting · 5 yr ROI
Special Education
$52K starting · 4.8 yr ROI
Physical Education
$52K starting · 5 yr ROI
Early Childhood Education
$52K starting · 6 yr ROI
Education
$0 starting · 0 yr ROI
Methodology & Education Data Sources
How we calculate Music Education degree outcomes in Dallas, TX: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.
- Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Music Education programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Texas.
- Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Dallas using regional CPI data.
- 10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
- Job market outlook for Music Education graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
- Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Music Education career projections
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Music Education grads
Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release
Financial Aid Resources for Dallas Students
Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Texas students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:
Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):
State-specific grants stack with federal aid:
- • USA.gov — Texas programs
- • NASFAA — State Aid Programs
- • Search "texas higher education commission grants"
Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:
- • College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
- • NCES College Navigator
- • IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center
Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:
2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.
Music Education Degree in Dallas — FAQ
Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.
Explore More
Compare Music Education ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Dallas.