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Cheapest Music Colleges in Colorado

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

Colorado State University Pueblo leads the state's most affordable music programs at just $12,948 net cost, nearly $3,000 less than Adams State University in second place. This dramatic cost advantage comes as Colorado's music scene expands alongside tech growth in Denver and Boulder, where Red Rocks Amphitheatre and major festivals create opportunities for audio engineers and live sound professionals. The state's 16 music programs span from $12,948 to $36,037, with public institutions claiming the top six spots for affordability. Colorado's Opportunity Fund provides tuition stipends to residents, helping keep costs manageable at state schools. Graduation rates vary significantly, from Metropolitan State University of Denver's 29.9% to Colorado College's 86%, while early career earnings for music graduates range from $20,140 to $29,685 across reporting institutions.
16
Programs
$12,948 – $36,037
Net Price Range
$25,510
Avg. Program Earnings
52.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

16 Music Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,948 $9,401 38.0% 98.8%
2 $14,173 $9,776 31.6% 99.2%
3 $14,294 $10,780 29.9% 97.9%
4 $15,331 $9,712 41.5% 81.8%
5 $16,773 $11,083 50.7% 91.9%
6 $17,339 $9,670 43.1% 91.0%
7 $18,457 $12,010 51.3% 78.5%
8 $19,133 $10,017 47.4% 74.6%
9 $20,332 $12,896 66.9% 90.8%
10 $21,480 $16,430 75.0% 80.7%
11 $22,689 $43,980 61.1% 76.1%
12 $25,458 $39,266 55.3%
13 $28,037 $23,720 36.5%
14 $28,862 $34,600 45.9% 100.0%
15 $31,678 $67,932 86.0% 16.3%
16 $36,037 $59,340 78.0% 77.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Colorado State University Pueblo the cheapest option for music students?

Colorado State University Pueblo offers the lowest net cost at $12,948 with an in-state tuition of just $9,401. The school maintains a 98.79% acceptance rate and achieves a 38% graduation rate. Music graduates from CSU Pueblo earn an average of $27,476 early in their careers, placing them in the middle range for Colorado music programs.

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

Private music programs cost significantly more, starting at $22,689 for Regis University compared to the $12,948-$21,480 range for public schools. Colorado College represents the most expensive option at $31,678 net cost despite its $67,932 sticker price. The cost gap between the cheapest public program and most affordable private option exceeds $9,700 annually.

Where do Colorado music graduates earn the highest starting salaries?

Colorado State University-Fort Collins music graduates earn the highest reported starting salaries at $29,685, despite the program's $20,332 net cost. The school also boasts a strong 66.9% graduation rate and 90.77% acceptance rate. University of Colorado Denver graduates earn $27,077, while Metropolitan State University shows the lowest earnings at $20,140.

Is there a connection between program cost and graduation rates in Colorado music schools?

Higher-cost programs generally show better graduation rates, though exceptions exist. Colorado College leads with 86% graduation at $31,678 net cost, while University of Colorado Boulder achieves 75% at $21,480. However, Western Colorado University breaks this pattern with a solid 50.7% graduation rate despite costing only $16,773. The cheapest options like CSU Pueblo and Adams State show graduation rates below 40%.

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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.