19 Music Programs
| # | School | Net Price | Program Earnings | In-State Tuition | Graduation Rate | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Murray State University
Murray, Kentucky
|
$9,121 | $33,459 | $9,708 | 59.5% | 84.0% |
| 2 |
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, Kentucky
|
$7,168 | $24,035 | $10,896 | 48.3% | 86.0% |
| 3 |
Morehead State University
Morehead, Kentucky
|
$10,089 | $32,569 | $9,838 | 47.7% | 84.0% |
| 4 |
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, Kentucky
|
$9,962 | $22,771 | $10,130 | 49.7% | 64.3% |
| 5 |
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, Kentucky
|
$10,916 | $21,234 | $11,436 | 53.7% | 97.0% |
| 6 |
University of Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky
|
$17,634 | $27,439 | $12,828 | 60.7% | 81.5% |
| 7 |
Bellarmine University
Louisville, Kentucky
|
$23,587 | $23,579 | $47,180 | 67.7% | 87.8% |
| 8 |
Simmons College of Kentucky
Louisville, Kentucky
|
$19,960 | $16,398 | 34.0% | 67.1% | |
| 9 |
Asbury University
Wilmore, Kentucky
|
$20,428 | $33,640 | 65.0% | 78.7% | |
| 10 |
Transylvania University
Lexington, Kentucky
|
$23,560 | $44,980 | 69.8% | 90.8% | |
| 11 |
University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky
|
$17,218 | $13,212 | 69.9% | 94.9% | |
| 12 |
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Owensboro, Kentucky
|
$36,431 | $33,393 | 52.6% | 68.6% | |
| 13 |
Kentucky State University
Frankfort, Kentucky
|
$8,900 | $9,214 | 27.1% | 91.5% | |
| 14 |
Kentucky Mountain Bible College
Jackson, Kentucky
|
$9,904 | $10,060 | 35.7% | 45.0% | |
| 15 |
Georgetown College
Georgetown, Kentucky
|
$13,485 | $42,010 | 47.5% | 71.5% | |
| 16 |
University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, Kentucky
|
$11,286 | $9,875 | 46.2% | 83.0% | |
| 17 |
Centre College
Danville, Kentucky
|
$21,497 | $50,550 | 85.3% | 62.9% | |
| 18 |
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, Kentucky
|
$18,246 | $26,990 | 47.1% | ||
| 19 |
Berea College
Berea, Kentucky
|
$4,483 | $49,326 | 62.0% | 24.6% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Northern Kentucky University such strong value for music students?
Northern Kentucky University offers the lowest net cost among major programs at $7,168 while maintaining solid graduate earnings of $24,035. The school accepts 86.01% of applicants, making admission accessible for most students. Located in Highland Heights near Cincinnati, students gain access to professional music scenes in both Kentucky and Ohio markets.
How do public university music programs compare to private options in Kentucky?
Public programs dominate the value rankings, with six schools under $18,000 net cost compared to private institutions averaging over $23,000. Murray State produces the highest earnings at $33,459 while maintaining a public university price point of $9,121. However, Georgetown College breaks the pattern at $13,485 net cost, proving some private schools can compete on affordability.
Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Kentucky music education?
Higher-cost programs generally show better graduation rates, with University of Kentucky leading at 69.90% despite moderate costs of $17,218. Kentucky State University demonstrates this trend clearly, offering low costs at $8,900 but struggling with a 27.10% graduation rate. Transylvania University achieves 69.80% graduation rates but costs $23,560, showing the price-performance relationship.
Where do Kentucky music graduates find the best career opportunities?
Louisville emerges as the state's music center, hosting University of Louisville, Bellarmine, and Simmons College while offering connections to the city's entertainment and corporate sectors. The bourbon industry creates unique performance opportunities throughout the state, while UPS Worldport provides logistics career paths for touring musicians. Murray State's $33,459 graduate earnings suggest strong regional job placement despite its smaller market location.
More Music Rankings
Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.