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Best Value Music Colleges in Ohio

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

Music students in Ohio face dramatic cost differences, with net prices ranging from $11,310 at Kent State's Stark campus to $39,184 at Oberlin College. Ohio University stands out as the earnings leader, with music graduates earning $37,208 annually while maintaining a reasonable net price of $20,413. The state's thriving arts scene supports music careers, with Cleveland Orchestra, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and Columbus Symphony providing professional opportunities. Public universities dominate the value equation, offering quality music education at significantly lower costs than private institutions. Kent State University at Stark delivers the lowest net price for music education, though graduation rates vary widely across programs from 32% to 87%. Ohio State combines strong earnings potential at $22,087 with a competitive net price of $18,292, while maintaining an 87.7% graduation rate that ranks among the highest in the state.
50
Programs
$4,503 – $39,184
Net Price Range
$23,004
Avg. Program Earnings
55.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Music Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $20,413 $37,208 $13,746 66.4% 86.5%
2 $11,310 $19,455 $7,272 37.3%
3 $18,292 $22,087 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
4 $23,585 $26,933 $41,788 65.5% 72.2%
5 $22,140 $22,999 $34,899 68.9% 83.7%
6 $19,614 $19,455 $12,846 65.5% 88.0%
7 $27,662 $27,295 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%
8 $25,022 $23,649 $36,078 74.3% 64.9%
9 $14,981 $13,702 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
10 $27,654 $25,194 $37,938 68.6% 77.0%
11 $20,918 $18,540 $14,081 62.8% 78.7%
12 $39,184 $19,531 $64,646 79.5% 34.9%
13 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
14 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
15 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
16 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
17 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
18 $21,619 $52,357 61.7% 52.2%
19 $29,541 $20,560 32.2%
20 $16,135 $36,650 54.7% 54.4%
21 $15,389 $9,622 43.0%
22 $23,758 $32,400 43.0% 82.8%
23 $17,460 $12,377 55.6% 92.2%
24 $20,004 $34,595 61.7% 72.5%
25 $7,349 $14,776 16.0% 45.1%
26 $19,470 $44,602 53.8% 93.9%
27 $25,766 $59,550 73.6% 56.3%
28 $15,216 $11,188 45.9% 95.2%
29 $32,342 $48,125 70.5% 84.5%
30 $11,877 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
31 $38,111 $64,000 80.1% 22.0%
32 $21,994 $28,910 60.6% 71.8%
33 $17,430 $36,298 49.5% 96.3%
34 $38,909 $64,671 87.0% 27.4%
35 $16,544 $7,824 25.6% 88.8%
36 $23,156 $13,570 71.5% 86.2%
37 $21,607 $23,700 35.7%
38 $32,623 $42,500 68.5% 36.2%
39 $16,065 $12,613 48.9% 85.3%
40 $31,236 $47,600 81.5% 74.1%
41 $25,727 $37,800 74.2% 54.4%
42 $21,662 $33,628 49.8% 71.4%
43 $20,088 $26,265 59.1% 93.1%
44 $29,383 $69,330 86.8% 34.3%
45 $22,881 $36,120 51.3% 77.6%
46 $18,372 $38,974 58.1% 82.9%
47 $22,539 $35,400 64.9% 75.8%
48 $21,812 $35,524 63.6% 85.3%
49 $20,204 $31,440 52.7% 86.4%
50 $20,477 $32,606 36.6% 78.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Ohio University the top earner for music graduates?

Ohio University music graduates earn $37,208 annually, significantly outpacing other programs in the state. The university maintains a 66.4% graduation rate with a net price of $20,413, creating strong return on investment. Ohio University's music program benefits from Athens' college town environment and connections to regional music venues. The combination of solid earnings and reasonable costs makes it a standout choice for value-conscious students.

How do public and private music programs compare on cost?

Public universities offer substantial savings, with net prices ranging from $11,310 to $27,662 compared to private institutions charging $21,619 to $39,184. Ohio State demonstrates this advantage with a $18,292 net price versus Capital University's $23,585 for similar program quality. Private schools like Oberlin charge premium prices at $39,184 but show lower earnings at $19,531. Public options consistently deliver better value propositions for music education in Ohio.

Does Kent State offer the most affordable music education?

Kent State University at Stark provides the lowest net price at $11,310, making music education highly accessible. However, the Stark campus shows a 37.3% graduation rate compared to the main Kent campus at 65.5% with a $19,614 net price. Both campuses report similar earnings at $19,455 for graduates. Students must weigh the cost savings against potentially different program resources and graduation outcomes.

Is Oberlin College worth its premium price for music?

Oberlin College charges $39,184 net price, the highest among Ohio music programs, but graduates earn only $19,531 annually. The college maintains a 79.5% graduation rate and accepts just 34.87% of applicants, indicating selectivity. However, the return on investment lags behind more affordable options like Ohio University or Ohio State. Students should consider whether Oberlin's reputation justifies the significant cost premium given the earnings data.

Where do Ohio music graduates find the best job opportunities?

Ohio's major cities support music careers through symphony orchestras, music venues, and arts organizations. Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus each maintain professional orchestras that hire music graduates. The state's healthcare systems like Cleveland Clinic also employ music therapists, expanding career options beyond performance. Additionally, Ohio's manufacturing and tech sectors create opportunities for audio engineering and music technology roles, particularly around major employers like Honda.

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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.