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Cheapest Music Colleges

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Texas A&M University-Central Texas delivers music education at just $1,113 net cost, making it the most affordable option among these 20 programs. The stark contrast with private alternatives becomes clear when comparing this to programs costing over $5,000 annually. CUNY schools claim six spots in this affordable lineup, with Hunter College graduates earning $32,391 despite paying only $2,446 net cost. The music industry continues expanding across Texas and New York, where streaming platforms and entertainment companies create steady demand for skilled musicians and music professionals. California State schools also provide budget-friendly pathways, with Los Angeles campus students facing just $4,113 net cost while studying in one of America's major entertainment hubs. These public institutions prove that quality music education remains accessible, with graduation rates ranging from 20% to 72% across the list.
50
Programs
$1,113 – $8,364
Net Price Range
$28,282
Avg. Program Earnings
44.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Music Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $1,113 $6,627 95.7%
2 $2,446 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
3 $2,943 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
4 $2,978 $7,464 72.1% 49.5%
5 $3,061 $7,846 48.9% 47.9%
6 $3,482 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
7 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
8 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
9 $3,830 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
10 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
11 $4,483 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
12 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
13 $4,734 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
14 $5,115 $7,490 32.8%
15 $5,216 $6,400 32.6%
16 $5,244 $3,370 57.1% 84.5%
17 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
18 $5,458 $3,148 26.8%
19 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
20 $5,671 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
21 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
22 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
23 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
24 $6,071 $4,564 46.7%
25 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
26 $6,199 $6,863 39.8% 27.6%
27 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
28 $6,352 $7,200 33.3% 74.2%
29 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
30 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
31 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
32 $6,507 $5,324 52.5% 51.6%
33 $6,608 $10,646 46.4% 80.0%
34 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
35 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
36 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
37 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
38 $7,349 $14,776 16.0% 45.1%
39 $7,360 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
40 $7,382 $5,542 38.4% 67.8%
41 $7,557 $7,922 26.1%
42 $7,563 $5,612 28.6% 96.9%
43 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
44 $7,607 $5,542 38.7% 45.7%
45 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
46 $7,871 $26,300 23.5%
47 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
48 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
49 $8,257 $8,179 33.4% 85.2%
50 $8,364 $8,179 35.7% 86.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Texas A&M-Central Texas so affordable for music students?

Texas A&M-Central Texas charges just $1,113 net cost annually, nearly $1,300 less than the second most affordable option. The school accepts 95.71% of applicants, making it both accessible and budget-friendly. As a public institution serving the Killeen area, it benefits from state funding that keeps costs low for Texas residents pursuing music degrees.

How do CUNY schools compare for music program value?

Six CUNY campuses appear on this list with net costs between $2,446 and $5,115. Hunter College leads with graduates earning $32,391 annually, while maintaining a 47.86% acceptance rate and 61% graduation rate. Baruch College shows the highest graduation rate at 72.1% among CUNY options, with graduates earning $35,060 per year.

Is Berea College worth the higher cost compared to public options?

Berea College costs $4,483 net despite a $49,326 sticker price, making it competitive with public schools. The private college accepts only 24.58% of applicants and achieves a 62% graduation rate. Students receive significant financial aid that brings costs below many state schools while gaining access to a more selective academic environment.

Does location affect earning potential for music graduates?

New York-based programs show varied outcomes, with CUNY graduates earning between $18,771 and $35,060 annually. Hunter College and Baruch College graduates earn over $32,000, reflecting opportunities in the city's music and entertainment sectors. California programs offer lower net costs but lack available earnings data for comparison.

Where can students find the best graduation rates among affordable programs?

Baruch College leads with 72.1% graduation rate at $2,978 net cost, followed by Berea College at 62% for $4,483. Hunter College maintains 61% graduation rate while charging just $2,446 annually. Ohio University-Eastern shows concerning 20% graduation rate despite reasonable $4,503 net cost, suggesting students should research support services carefully.

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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.