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Cheapest Music Colleges in Illinois

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

Millikin University breaks the private college stereotype with a net price of just $8,837 for music students, making it more affordable than many public options. This Decatur school charges 75% less after aid than its $26,892 sticker price suggests. Meanwhile, public universities like Western Illinois University ($11,592) and Northern Illinois University ($12,909) offer solid middle-ground options. The earnings gap tells an important story: Eastern Illinois graduates earn $36,668 annually compared to Millikin's $17,437, highlighting how career outcomes vary significantly across programs. Illinois music graduates benefit from Chicago's position as a major recording and performance center, with venues like the Chicago Theatre District and Millennium Park creating year-round employment opportunities. The state's MAP Grant program provides additional assistance for qualifying students, making these already affordable programs even more accessible. With graduation rates ranging from Chicago State's 16.9% to UI Urbana-Champaign's 84.9%, students must weigh cost against completion likelihood when choosing their path into Illinois music education.
45
Programs
$8,837 – $35,196
Net Price Range
$24,610
Avg. Program Earnings
59.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

45 Music Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
2 $10,133 $12,754 16.9% 48.5%
3 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
4 $12,093 $36,840 59.0% 84.1%
5 $12,313 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
6 $12,437 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%
7 $12,909 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
8 $13,550 $12,383 16.8% 62.7%
9 $13,696 $12,922 55.0% 97.5%
10 $14,093 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
11 $15,113 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
12 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
13 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
14 $16,284 $37,000 64.6% 58.4%
15 $16,381 $20,325 63.9% 70.7%
16 $16,774 $36,258 47.4% 93.0%
17 $17,324 $35,740 42.7% 61.7%
18 $17,945 $37,470 61.1% 77.2%
19 $18,034 $43,520 60.1% 90.7%
20 $18,191 $35,325 56.0% 68.0%
21 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
22 $18,967 $66,939 94.9% 5.4%
23 $18,992 $28,220 58.3% 81.9%
24 $18,996 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
25 $20,152 $20,280 41.0% 88.3%
26 $21,063 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%
27 $21,270 $30,598 51.4% 94.1%
28 $21,386 $12,320 45.7% 91.3%
29 $21,539 $37,940 60.3% 57.8%
30 $21,814 $26,758 52.4% 64.4%
31 $22,048 $28,400 40.6% 86.7%
32 $23,033 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
33 $23,066 $37,300 38.3% 54.9%
34 $23,529 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%
35 $23,572 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
36 $24,190 $34,070 59.5% 68.4%
37 $24,875 $55,587 67.5% 73.3%
38 $25,027 $30,910 53.3% 58.2%
39 $26,788 $32,520 48.5% 94.8%
40 $26,984 $43,930 86.6% 88.4%
41 $27,143 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
42 $27,499 $54,202 70.4% 59.7%
43 $29,141 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
44 $29,550 $55,704 82.5% 42.2%
45 $35,196 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Millikin University achieve such a low net price for music students?

Millikin offers substantial financial aid that reduces the $26,892 sticker price to just $8,837 after assistance. The university accepts 75.4% of applicants and maintains a 59.1% graduation rate. This private college strategy targets affordability while maintaining quality music education in central Illinois.

What explains the huge earnings difference between music programs?

Eastern Illinois music graduates earn $36,668 annually while Millikin graduates average $17,437, creating a $19,231 gap. Western Illinois falls in the middle at $34,230 in post-graduation earnings. These differences often reflect program focus, with some emphasizing performance while others target music education or business applications.

Is Chicago State University worth considering despite its low graduation rate?

Chicago State has a 16.9% graduation rate but offers a $10,133 net price with selective 48.51% acceptance. The university serves Chicago's urban music scene directly but requires careful consideration of completion risks. Students should weigh the low cost against the significant academic challenges indicated by the graduation statistics.

How do public versus private music programs compare in Illinois?

Public schools range from $10,133 to $16,177 in net costs, while private colleges span $8,837 to $16,381. Augustana College charges $12,437 after aid despite a $49,834 list price, showing how private aid can compete with public funding. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers the highest graduation rate at 84.9% for $15,201.

Where do Illinois music graduates find the best career opportunities?

Chicago anchors the state's music industry with major venues, recording studios, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra providing professional opportunities. The city's finance sector also employs music graduates in arts administration and cultural programming roles. Graduates earning $36,668 from Eastern Illinois often benefit from the school's education focus, preparing them for teaching positions statewide.

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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.