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Best Value Music Colleges in Illinois

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Millikin University stands out among Illinois music programs with a remarkable $8,837 net cost that beats even public institutions, though graduates earn just $17,437 annually. This creates an unusual pattern where the most affordable option doesn't necessarily deliver the highest returns. Illinois music graduates across 20 programs earn between $16,786 and $36,668, with Eastern Illinois University leading at the top of that range. The state's rich musical heritage, from Chicago's jazz and blues scene to its top-tier symphony orchestras, provides ample performance and teaching opportunities for graduates. Public universities like Western Illinois and Eastern Illinois offer strong value propositions with net costs around $11,592 to $14,093, while private institutions range dramatically from Millikin's bargain pricing to Northwestern's $27,143 net cost. Chicago's status as a major cultural center means music graduates can find work in performance venues, recording studios, music therapy clinics, and educational institutions throughout the metropolitan area.
45
Programs
$8,837 – $35,196
Net Price Range
$24,610
Avg. Program Earnings
59.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

45 Music Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,592 $34,230 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
2 $14,093 $36,668 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
3 $8,837 $17,437 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
4 $12,909 $25,194 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
5 $18,996 $31,133 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
6 $16,177 $23,351 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
7 $23,033 $26,739 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
8 $21,063 $24,421 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%
9 $29,550 $27,439 $55,704 82.5% 42.2%
10 $20,152 $16,786 $20,280 41.0% 88.3%
11 $26,984 $20,921 $43,930 86.6% 88.4%
12 $26,788 $19,944 $32,520 48.5% 94.8%
13 $27,143 $20,140 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
14 $29,141 $20,140 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
15 $12,093 $36,840 59.0% 84.1%
16 $16,284 $37,000 64.6% 58.4%
17 $15,113 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
18 $23,066 $37,300 38.3% 54.9%
19 $17,324 $35,740 42.7% 61.7%
20 $13,696 $12,922 55.0% 97.5%
21 $21,539 $37,940 60.3% 57.8%
22 $13,550 $12,383 16.8% 62.7%
23 $16,381 $20,325 63.9% 70.7%
24 $18,191 $35,325 56.0% 68.0%
25 $21,386 $12,320 45.7% 91.3%
26 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
27 $23,529 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%
28 $18,992 $28,220 58.3% 81.9%
29 $21,814 $26,758 52.4% 64.4%
30 $23,572 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
31 $10,133 $12,754 16.9% 48.5%
32 $18,967 $66,939 94.9% 5.4%
33 $16,774 $36,258 47.4% 93.0%
34 $22,048 $28,400 40.6% 86.7%
35 $21,270 $30,598 51.4% 94.1%
36 $12,313 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
37 $18,034 $43,520 60.1% 90.7%
38 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
39 $17,945 $37,470 61.1% 77.2%
40 $25,027 $30,910 53.3% 58.2%
41 $24,875 $55,587 67.5% 73.3%
42 $27,499 $54,202 70.4% 59.7%
43 $12,437 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%
44 $35,196 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%
45 $24,190 $34,070 59.5% 68.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Millikin University's music program such an unusual value?

Millikin offers the lowest net cost at $8,837, even beating public universities by thousands of dollars. However, graduates earn just $17,437 annually, which is near the bottom of the earnings range. The 59.1% graduation rate falls in the middle range, making this a complex value proposition that prioritizes affordability over immediate earning potential.

How do public university music programs compare to private ones in Illinois?

Public universities generally offer better value with net costs between $11,592 and $18,996. Eastern Illinois leads public schools with $36,668 in graduate earnings against a $14,093 net cost. Private institutions range from Millikin's strong $8,837 to Northwestern's $27,143, with widely varying outcomes that don't always correlate with price.

Is Northwestern University worth its high cost for music students?

Northwestern charges a $27,143 net cost but offers a 95.9% graduation rate, the highest among all programs. However, music graduates earn just $20,140 annually, creating a significant return on investment challenge. The school's 7.21% acceptance rate makes it highly selective, but the earnings don't justify the premium for most students.

Does Chicago offer advantages for music program graduates?

Chicago provides numerous opportunities through its symphony orchestras, jazz clubs, recording studios, and music therapy programs in major healthcare systems. Schools like Roosevelt University, Columbia College Chicago, DePaul, and North Park University offer direct access to these resources. The city's cultural institutions and entertainment industry create more job prospects than smaller college towns.

Where can students find the best balance of cost and earnings potential?

Eastern Illinois University delivers the strongest combination with $14,093 net cost and $36,668 graduate earnings. Western Illinois follows closely with $11,592 net cost and $34,230 earnings. Illinois State University offers a middle ground at $18,996 net cost with $31,133 earnings and a solid 66.3% graduation rate.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.