Best Value Music Colleges in Wisconsin

Music students at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater earn $40,945 annually after graduation, making it the top earner among Wisconsin's music programs despite a modest net price of $14,785. This strong return on investment reflects Wisconsin's growing creative economy, where companies like Epic Systems in Madison increasingly value graduates with both technical skills and creative training. The state's 15 music programs show dramatic cost variations, with private institutions like Lawrence University charging $55,461 in tuition while public options range from $7,855 to $11,205 for in-state students. UW-Madison stands out with an 89.30% graduation rate, significantly higher than the state average, though its music graduates earn $28,236 annually. Wisconsin's music education market benefits from the state's manufacturing heritage, where precision and attention to detail translate well to musical training, plus a healthcare sector that increasingly recognizes music therapy applications.

Programs

$10,044 – $26,067

Net Price Range

$30,425

Avg. Program Earnings

61.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

25 Music Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Whitewater, Wisconsin	$14,785	$40,945	$8,250	64.3%	82.4%
2	University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Green Bay, Wisconsin	$12,878	$32,925	$8,342	53.1%	89.6%
3	University of Wisconsin-La Crosse La Crosse, Wisconsin	$15,374	$39,009	$9,651	71.2%	74.3%
4	University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Eau Claire, Wisconsin	$16,948	$38,505	$9,277	67.6%	76.6%
5	University of Wisconsin-Platteville Platteville, Wisconsin	$14,754	$29,685	$8,315	61.5%	85.4%
6	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Stevens Point, Wisconsin	$13,726	$24,421	$8,834	56.0%	89.1%
7	University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, Wisconsin	$16,928	$28,236	$11,205	89.3%	49.1%
8	University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$16,177	$25,967	$10,020	51.2%	86.3%
9	Carthage College Kenosha, Wisconsin	$24,813	$24,421	$36,500	60.5%	81.8%
10	Lawrence University Appleton, Wisconsin	$24,563	$20,140	$55,461	76.4%	72.3%
11	Beloit College Beloit, Wisconsin	$21,924		$58,554	67.2%	65.9%
12	University of Wisconsin-River Falls River Falls, Wisconsin	$14,714		$8,606	60.9%	84.5%
13	Carroll University Waukesha, Wisconsin	$24,362		$37,230	69.6%	72.1%
14	University of Wisconsin-Superior Superior, Wisconsin	$13,405		$8,487	44.1%	95.6%
15	University of Wisconsin-Parkside Kenosha, Wisconsin	$10,044		$7,855	39.8%	72.8%
16	University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Oshkosh, Wisconsin	$14,761		$8,212	57.9%	88.5%
17	Wisconsin Lutheran College Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$21,315		$35,080	62.7%	93.8%
18	Concordia University-Wisconsin Mequon, Wisconsin	$26,067		$34,250	64.3%	70.4%
19	Edgewood College Madison, Wisconsin	$25,634		$34,850	67.4%	98.6%
20	Lakeland University Plymouth, Wisconsin	$22,092		$32,286	55.7%	99.5%
21	Viterbo University La Crosse, Wisconsin	$22,633		$32,350	65.2%	72.4%
22	Saint Norbert College De Pere, Wisconsin	$25,674		$44,432	73.6%	83.6%
23	Ripon College Ripon, Wisconsin	$21,176		$50,700	59.9%	81.3%
24	Marian University Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin	$23,341		$33,000	41.2%	71.6%
25	Maranatha Baptist University Watertown, Wisconsin	$24,659		$20,280	65.7%	75.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What Wisconsin music program offers the best earning potential after graduation?

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater leads with music graduates earning $40,945 annually, nearly $13,000 more than UW-La Crosse's $39,009. This earning advantage comes with a reasonable net price of $14,785 and 64.30% graduation rate. The school's strong industry connections and practical music business training contribute to these higher starting salaries.

How much do private music programs cost compared to public options in Wisconsin?

Private institutions charge between $36,500 and $58,554 in tuition, while public schools range from $7,855 to $11,205 for Wisconsin residents. Lawrence University represents the highest cost at $55,461 but produces graduates earning just $20,140 annually. Public programs offer significantly better value, with UW-Whitewater graduates earning twice what Lawrence graduates make while paying one-fourth the tuition.

Is University of Wisconsin-Madison worth the higher cost for music students?

UW-Madison charges $11,205 for in-state tuition, the highest among public options, but delivers an strong 89.30% graduation rate compared to the state average of 60%. However, music graduates earn $28,236 annually, placing it in the middle tier for earnings. The school's strong academic reputation and extensive alumni network may justify the premium for students prioritizing degree completion and long-term career prospects.

Does student debt significantly impact Wisconsin music graduates?

Music graduates typically carry $18,988 to $27,000 in debt, with Lawrence University students borrowing the least at $18,988 despite the highest tuition costs. UW-Whitewater graduates manage $25,000 in debt while earning the highest salaries, creating a favorable debt-to-income ratio. Most programs keep debt levels manageable compared to national averages for arts degrees.

Where do Wisconsin music programs show the biggest acceptance rate differences?

Acceptance rates span from UW-Superior's 95.60% to UW-Madison's selective 49.06%, reflecting different program focuses and academic standards. Most public universities maintain acceptance rates between 72% and 89%, making them accessible to qualified students. Private colleges like Lawrence University (72.27%) and Beloit College (65.86%) operate more selectively while still admitting most applicants.

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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.