What is the starting salary for Music graduates in Augusta?

The estimated starting salary for Music graduates in Augusta, GA is $33,200 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 83. The national average starting salary for this major is $40,000. Salaries in Augusta are 17% lower than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Music degree worth it in Augusta?

A Music degree in Augusta has an estimated ROI payback period of 18.5 years, with a projected lifetime return of $6,404 after subtracting education costs. With 11 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $9,540/year, Augusta offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 4.7% and the major's national unemployment rate of 5.5% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Music in Augusta?

The average annual public university tuition in Augusta is $9,540, while private universities average $30,837/year. Including room and board ($9,609/year), total 4-year costs range from $76,596 at a public school to $161,784 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Augusta is $12,269/year.

What jobs can Music graduates get in Augusta?

Music graduates in Augusta can pursue careers as Musician, Music Director, Composer, Music Teacher. Key skills valued by local employers include Performance, Music Theory, Composition, Audio Production. The Augusta job market features Publishing, Non-profits, Education among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include Orchestras, Schools, Recording Studios.

How long to pay off student loans for Music in Augusta?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Music graduates in Augusta would pay $870/month on an estimated $76,596 in loans, with $27,772 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,499/month but save $14,447 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $33,200, monthly payments would represent 31% of gross monthly income.

Music Degree in Augusta, GA — Salary & ROI 2026

Music degree analysis for Augusta, GA. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$33K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$46K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

18.5 yrs

in Augusta

Cost of Living

index (100 = avg)

Music in Augusta, GA Overview

Augusta, Georgia (pop. 202,081) has 11 colleges offering Music programs. The local cost of living index of 83 keeps student expenses low, with average rent near campus at $848/month. Although national enrollment in Music has been declining, graduates with skills in Performance and Music Theory remain competitive in the job market. The adjusted starting salary in Augusta is approximately $33,200.

Music Salary in Augusta (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Augusta's cost of living index of 83 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$33,200($-6,800 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$45,650($-9,350 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$56,440($-11,560 vs national)

Note: National average Music salary: $40,000 starting, $55,000 mid-career, $68,000 senior level.Augusta adjustment factor: 0.83x based on the local cost of living index.

Music ROI Calculator for Augusta

Estimate your return on investment for a Music degree using local Augusta tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $9,540 | Private avg: $30,837

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Augusta avg aid: $12,269/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$76,596

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$4,150

vs HS diploma in Augusta

ROI Payback Period

18.5 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Augusta

$6,404

Lifetime earnings premium ($83,000) minus total education cost ($76,596)

Student Loan Payoff for Music in Augusta

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$76,596

Monthly Payment$870

Total Interest$27,772

% of Monthly Income31%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$76,596

Monthly Payment$1,499

Total Interest$13,325

Interest Savings$14,447

Colleges in Augusta for Music

Augusta University

public

$9,540/yr

$38,160 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Augusta Technical College

$3,152/yr

Top Employers for Music in Augusta

Augusta offers opportunities in Publishing, Non-profits, Education for Music graduates. National top employers in this field include:

OrchestrasSchoolsRecording StudiosMusic PublishersSelf-Employed

Key Augusta Hiring Sectors for Humanities

Publishing

Non-profits

Education

Media companies

Government

Common Music Job Titles

MusicianMusic DirectorComposerMusic Teacher

Music in Nearby Georgia Cities

Atlanta, GA

$40K starting · COL 101

23 colleges

Columbus, GA

$34K starting · COL 84.5

8 colleges

Macon, GA

$40K starting · COL 101

13 colleges

Savannah, GA

$38K starting · COL 95

12 colleges

Athens, GA

$41K starting · COL 103

11 colleges

Sandy Springs, GA

$45K starting · COL 112.5

5 colleges

Roswell, GA

$43K starting · COL 108.2

4 colleges

Johns Creek, GA

$45K starting · COL 112.8

4 colleges

Other Humanities Majors in Augusta

Chinese Studies

$46K starting · 4 yr ROI

Linguistics

$42K starting · 5.5 yr ROI

Philosophy

$37K starting · 6.5 yr ROI

Foreign Languages & Literatures

$42K starting · 6.5 yr ROI

English

$35K starting · 7 yr ROI

History

$37K starting · 7.5 yr ROI

Classical Studies

$37K starting · 6 yr ROI

Classics

$42K starting · 8 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Music degree outcomes in Augusta, GA: 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 programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Georgia.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Augusta 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 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 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 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 Augusta Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Georgia 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:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (Georgia)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Georgia programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "georgia higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

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 Degree in Augusta — 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 ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Augusta.

Music Overview Colleges in Augusta All Majors