Cheapest Music Colleges in Louisiana

Music education in Louisiana shows a dramatic cost divide that reflects the state's economic market. Public universities deliver programs for as little as $11,147 annually, while private institutions can reach $22,762, creating a $11,615 gap between the most affordable options. University of New Orleans leads the affordable tier at $11,147, though graduates earn just $12,776 annually compared to $33,990 at Southeastern Louisiana University. The state's cultural heritage supports music careers through New Orleans' tourism industry, jazz festivals, and the growing film production sector that requires composers and sound engineers. Louisiana's TOPS scholarship program helps qualifying students attend public universities tuition-free, making programs at schools like McNeese State and UL Monroe even more accessible. With 17 programs ranging from $11,147 to $43,939, students can find training that matches both their budget and career goals in a state where music intersects with tourism, entertainment, and media industries.

Programs

$11,147 – $43,939

Net Price Range

$26,564

Avg. Program Earnings

51.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

17 Music Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of New Orleans New Orleans, Louisiana	$11,147	$9,172	42.5%	69.8%
2	McNeese State University Lake Charles, Louisiana	$11,257	$8,460	52.0%	71.2%
3	University of Louisiana at Monroe Monroe, Louisiana	$11,633	$9,190	50.6%	70.1%
4	Nicholls State University Thibodaux, Louisiana	$12,091	$8,173	54.3%	98.4%
5	Southeastern Louisiana University Hammond, Louisiana	$12,174	$8,373	44.8%	99.0%
6	Louisiana Tech University Ruston, Louisiana	$12,209	$10,125	57.6%	62.4%
7	Northwestern State University of Louisiana Natchitoches, Louisiana	$13,809	$8,864	44.6%	97.9%
8	University of Louisiana at Lafayette Lafayette, Louisiana	$14,118	$10,418	52.0%	74.6%
9	Louisiana Christian University Pineville, Louisiana	$16,874	$19,740	41.3%	74.6%
10	Xavier University of Louisiana New Orleans, Louisiana	$18,285	$27,868	50.2%	95.2%
11	Dillard University New Orleans, Louisiana	$18,553	$22,194	45.1%	79.9%
12	Grambling State University Grambling, Louisiana	$19,125	$7,683	32.3%	42.4%
13	Southern University and A & M College Baton Rouge, Louisiana	$19,740	$9,940	28.5%	53.9%
14	Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Baton Rouge, Louisiana	$20,015	$11,954	71.0%	75.7%
15	Loyola University New Orleans New Orleans, Louisiana	$22,762	$47,240	67.4%	78.1%
16	Centenary College of Louisiana Shreveport, Louisiana	$25,159	$40,000	59.3%	63.7%
17	Tulane University of Louisiana New Orleans, Louisiana	$43,939	$65,538	88.9%	11.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of New Orleans the cheapest option for music students?

UNO offers the lowest net cost at $11,147 annually, with in-state tuition of just $9,172. The university maintains a 69.76% acceptance rate and operates in New Orleans, providing access to the city's music scene. However, graduates earn $12,776 annually, the lowest among schools with reported earnings data, and only 42.50% complete their programs.

How do public and private music programs compare in Louisiana?

Public universities dominate the affordable range, with 10 of the 12 cheapest programs under $20,000 annually. Private schools like Loyola University New Orleans cost $22,762 but offer a 67.40% graduation rate compared to much lower rates at some public options. The $11,615 gap between cheapest public and private options reflects Louisiana's economic priorities and state funding support.

Does the TOPS scholarship affect music program costs in Louisiana?

TOPS covers tuition at public universities for qualifying Louisiana residents, making programs essentially free beyond room, board, and fees. This benefit applies to schools like Louisiana Tech University where in-state tuition runs $10,125, or Northwestern State at $8,864. Students must maintain specific GPA requirements and test scores to qualify and retain the scholarship throughout their studies.

Where do Louisiana music graduates find the best earning potential?

Southeastern Louisiana University graduates earn $33,990 annually, the highest among schools with reported data, despite the program costing just $12,174. This compares favorably to LSU graduates earning $32,925 from a more expensive $20,015 program. New Orleans provides the most music industry opportunities through tourism, festivals, and the growing film production sector that requires audio professionals.

More Music Rankings

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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.