Best Value Music Colleges in Washington

Eastern Washington University delivers the state's lowest net cost for music students at just $13,091, while Washington State University graduates earn $34,711 annually,the highest among public options. This $21,000 earnings gap reflects the different career paths Washington's music programs prepare students for, from performance to the state's growing audio production industry that serves tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft. Public universities dominate the value equation here, with three state schools offering net costs under $15,000 compared to private institutions ranging from $21,370 to $39,060. The 17 programs show dramatic variation in outcomes, with graduation rates spanning from 47% to 83% and post-graduation earnings varying by more than $16,000 annually.

Programs

$13,091 – $42,033

Net Price Range

$24,214

Avg. Program Earnings

65.1%

Avg. Graduation Rate

17 Music Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Washington State University Pullman, Washington	$14,401	$34,711	$12,997	61.6%	83.1%
2	Central Washington University Ellensburg, Washington	$14,715	$25,658	$9,192	49.9%	93.5%
3	Eastern Washington University Cheney, Washington	$13,091	$21,964	$8,353	47.2%	96.1%
4	Northwest University Kirkland, Washington	$25,161	$29,685	$36,035	63.5%	94.3%
5	Pacific Lutheran University Tacoma, Washington	$21,370	$24,035	$50,964	71.0%	88.9%
6	Seattle Pacific University Seattle, Washington	$24,820	$25,194	$38,814	62.1%	90.7%
7	Western Washington University Bellingham, Washington	$18,680	$18,185	$9,286	65.5%	92.7%
8	Whitworth University Spokane, Washington	$25,884	$19,227	$50,920	68.4%	90.5%
9	Cornish College of the Arts Seattle, Washington	$39,060	$23,340	$39,913	52.0%	71.1%
10	University of Puget Sound Tacoma, Washington	$38,920	$20,140	$59,900	67.9%	82.7%
11	Seattle University Seattle, Washington	$34,802		$54,285	73.3%	85.2%
12	Walla Walla University College Place, Washington	$23,992		$33,027	64.2%
13	Saint Martin's University Lacey, Washington	$22,618		$44,210	57.1%	95.0%
14	University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, Washington	$13,485		$12,643	83.7%	47.5%
15	Whitman College Walla Walla, Washington	$35,506		$61,492	81.0%	47.7%
16	Gonzaga University Spokane, Washington	$36,371		$53,500	86.9%	69.7%
17	DigiPen Institute of Technology Redmond, Washington	$42,033		$37,400	51.6%	66.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $21,620 earnings difference between Washington State and Eastern Washington music graduates?

Washington State University music graduates earn $34,711 annually compared to $21,964 at Eastern Washington University, reflecting different program strengths and alumni networks. WSU's location in Pullman provides access to regional performance opportunities and music education positions that typically offer higher starting salaries. Eastern Washington's lower earnings align with its 47% graduation rate, suggesting students may leave before completing specialized training that leads to higher-paying roles.

How do private music schools justify costs that exceed $50,000 annually?

Pacific Lutheran University charges $50,964 but achieves a 71% graduation rate, while University of Puget Sound reaches $59,900 with nearly 68% completion. These private institutions offer smaller class sizes and specialized training, though their graduates earn $24,035 and $20,140 respectively. The debt burden ranges from $26,000 to $27,000, making the return on investment questionable compared to public alternatives.

Is University of Washington's 47% acceptance rate worth the investment for music students?

UW Seattle accepts fewer than half of applicants but delivers an 83.7% graduation rate, the highest among state programs. The $13,485 net cost makes it extremely affordable for such selectivity. However, earnings data isn't available, making it difficult to assess career outcomes compared to Washington State University's $34,711 average or Central Washington's $25,658.

Where can music students find the best balance of affordability and career preparation?

Washington State University offers the strongest combination with $14,401 net cost and $34,711 earnings, generating positive returns within two years of graduation. Central Washington University provides a middle ground at $14,715 net cost with $25,658 earnings and 93% acceptance rate. Both significantly outperform private options where students may struggle to repay loans averaging $26,000 on lower starting salaries.

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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.