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Best Value Music Colleges in Tennessee

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

Tennessee State University stands out as an strong value for music students, with a net price of just $10,026 while producing graduates who earn $29,685 annually. This gap between cost and earning potential reflects the strength of Tennessee's music economy, anchored by Nashville's recording industry that employs thousands of musicians, producers, and audio engineers. Middle Tennessee State University graduates command the highest salaries at $31,314, though students pay $12,599 annually for that education. The state's public universities dominate the value rankings, with six institutions charging less than $16,000 per year. Private options like Belmont University carry significantly higher costs at $32,096 net price, yet graduates earn only $19,419 annually. Tennessee's lack of state income tax means music graduates keep more of their earnings, whether they work in Nashville's famous music row studios or the growing film scoring industry. The Tennessee Promise program covers community college costs, allowing students to complete general education requirements affordably before transferring to four-year music programs.
35
Programs
$8,992 – $32,096
Net Price Range
$25,657
Avg. Program Earnings
54.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

35 Music Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,026 $29,685 $8,568 33.0%
2 $10,299 $26,933 $10,208 54.8% 88.4%
3 $12,599 $31,314 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
4 $13,253 $27,126 $10,344 49.4% 94.6%
5 $14,846 $30,366 $8,675 44.5% 93.8%
6 $14,207 $25,194 $10,084 54.2% 78.1%
7 $18,109 $26,353 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
8 $15,794 $21,798 $9,950 49.9% 85.3%
9 $19,040 $25,596 $63,946 92.7% 6.7%
10 $18,661 $23,649 $34,700 46.4% 79.8%
11 $20,399 $25,053 $22,690 60.7% 72.6%
12 $26,181 $21,052 $22,000 48.3% 20.4%
13 $32,096 $19,419 $41,320 71.7% 96.3%
14 $14,459 $29,790 54.8% 70.9%
15 $26,815 $38,450 70.9% 52.6%
16 $12,817 $10,144 53.1% 82.7%
17 $14,879 $29,264 43.6% 60.7%
18 $24,334 $25,590 51.4% 65.8%
19 $27,498 $53,698 82.4% 52.3%
20 $25,060 $54,892 81.6% 53.9%
21 $21,131 $39,350 60.3% 66.7%
22 $20,986 $38,514 47.2% 69.5%
23 $15,133 $10,506 35.7% 80.3%
24 $17,999 $26,150 53.9% 78.5%
25 $8,992 $12,076 24.7% 99.6%
26 $14,494 $11,790 17.0%
27 $23,508 $34,800 46.4% 60.8%
28 $20,303 $20,318 62.2% 63.2%
29 $20,082 $25,000 68.4% 91.2%
30 $19,983 $20,796 61.4%
31 $26,135 $24,298 43.5% 71.0%
32 $25,610 $38,824 68.7% 71.1%
33 $18,292 $27,840 47.0% 66.2%
34 $16,494 $18,900 55.9%
35 $21,803 $18,168 34.9% 88.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Tennessee State University such strong value for music students?

Tennessee State University offers the lowest net price at $10,026 while graduates earn $29,685 annually, creating nearly a 3:1 return on investment. The university's location in Nashville provides direct access to recording studios and music industry internships. Students benefit from both affordable education and proximity to one of America's major music capitals.

How do public university music programs compare to private options in Tennessee?

Public universities dominate the value rankings, with all top six schools charging under $16,000 annually. Tennessee's public music programs produce graduates earning $21,798 to $31,314, while private schools like Belmont charge $32,096 but graduates earn only $19,419. The 94% acceptance rate at University of Memphis makes quality music education accessible to most applicants.

Does the Tennessee Promise program help music students save money?

The Tennessee Promise covers community college tuition, allowing music students to complete general education requirements affordably before transferring. Students can save thousands by spending two years at community college, then transferring to programs like Middle Tennessee State University. This pathway reduces total education costs while maintaining access to strong music programs in Nashville and Memphis markets.

Where do Tennessee music graduates find the best earning opportunities?

Middle Tennessee State University graduates earn the highest salaries at $31,314 annually, benefiting from the school's proximity to Nashville's music industry. Tennessee's lack of state income tax means graduates keep more of their earnings compared to other states. The state's growing film and television production industry also creates new opportunities for music composers and sound engineers.

Is Vanderbilt University worth the higher cost for music students?

Vanderbilt's 93% graduation rate is the highest among Tennessee music programs, though graduates earn $25,596 compared to $31,314 at Middle Tennessee State University. The $19,040 net price reflects significant financial aid, but the 7% acceptance rate makes admission extremely competitive. Students should weigh the academic prestige against potentially better earning outcomes at more affordable public alternatives.

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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.