Cheapest Music Colleges in Minnesota

The University of Minnesota-Morris delivers the most affordable music education in the state at just $9,110 net price, making quality musical training accessible to Minnesota families. This gap between the cheapest option and private alternatives like St. Olaf College at $22,752 reflects the state's commitment to public education funding through initiatives like the Minnesota State Grant. Saint Cloud State University accepts 95.28% of applicants while maintaining costs under $15,000, opening doors for aspiring musicians regardless of background. Minnesota's music scene benefits from the Twin Cities' strong arts community, which supports venues like First Avenue and the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, creating performance opportunities for graduates. The state's 15 affordable programs produce music educators, performers, and industry professionals who contribute to Minnesota's $1.2 billion creative economy, with graduates earning between $19,592 and $32,391 annually while building careers in education, performance, and music therapy.

Programs

$9,110 – $30,525

Net Price Range

$26,860

Avg. Program Earnings

66.7%

Avg. Graduation Rate

28 Music Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Minnesota-Morris Morris, Minnesota	$9,110	$14,288	61.9%	77.7%
2	Saint Cloud State University Saint Cloud, Minnesota	$14,485	$10,117	46.9%	95.3%
3	Southwest Minnesota State University Marshall, Minnesota	$14,760	$10,304	44.1%	91.6%
4	Bemidji State University Bemidji, Minnesota	$17,050	$10,164	53.4%	77.5%
5	University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, Minnesota	$17,139	$16,488	84.8%	74.9%
6	Concordia University-Saint Paul Saint Paul, Minnesota	$17,566	$25,000	58.8%	69.1%
7	Bethany Lutheran College Mankato, Minnesota	$17,680	$30,010	59.6%	58.5%
8	Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead, Minnesota	$17,816	$10,336	54.6%	56.6%
9	Winona State University Winona, Minnesota	$18,148	$10,498	60.9%	73.8%
10	University of Minnesota-Duluth Duluth, Minnesota	$18,464	$14,318	64.5%	80.7%
11	Minnesota State University-Mankato Mankato, Minnesota	$18,609	$9,490	54.1%	70.7%
12	Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Winona, Minnesota	$21,034	$43,160	67.7%	96.8%
13	Hamline University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$21,385	$48,311	57.7%	80.6%
14	St Catherine University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$21,563	$49,758	65.1%	92.5%
15	St Olaf College Northfield, Minnesota	$22,752	$56,970	83.5%	56.4%
16	North Central University Minneapolis, Minnesota	$23,574	$29,460	63.6%	90.8%
17	Augsburg University Minneapolis, Minnesota	$23,875	$43,942	52.4%	76.5%
18	The College of Saint Scholastica Duluth, Minnesota	$23,949	$40,454	63.0%	96.6%
19	University of Northwestern-St Paul Saint Paul, Minnesota	$25,140	$36,830	68.4%	92.5%
20	Concordia College at Moorhead Moorhead, Minnesota	$25,651	$30,020	71.8%	65.5%
21	Gustavus Adolphus College Saint Peter, Minnesota	$26,895	$54,310	75.9%	73.9%
22	Saint Johns University Collegeville, Minnesota	$27,018	$53,942	75.7%	86.2%
23	Carleton College Northfield, Minnesota	$27,320	$65,457	91.2%	16.6%
24	Crown College Saint Bonifacius, Minnesota	$27,324	$30,200	64.3%	66.6%
25	College of Saint Benedict Saint Joseph, Minnesota	$28,065	$53,884	83.0%	87.8%
26	Bethel University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$28,439	$42,930	75.2%	72.5%
27	Macalester College Saint Paul, Minnesota	$29,980	$64,908	90.4%	28.4%
28	University of St Thomas Saint Paul, Minnesota	$30,525	$52,284	75.2%	77.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Minnesota-Morris so affordable for music students?

Morris offers the lowest net price at $9,110 thanks to generous financial aid and its public university status. The school maintains a 77.66% acceptance rate with a solid 61.90% graduation rate, indicating students can access quality education without excessive debt. As part of the University of Minnesota system, Morris benefits from state funding that keeps costs low while maintaining academic standards.

How do public universities compare to private schools for music program costs?

Public institutions like Saint Cloud State ($14,485) and Southwest Minnesota State ($14,760) cost significantly less than private options such as St. Olaf College ($22,752) or Hamline University ($21,385). However, private schools often provide smaller class sizes and more individualized attention. The cost difference can exceed $8,000 annually, making public universities attractive for budget-conscious families.

Does University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offer good value despite higher costs?

At $17,139 net price, the Twin Cities campus costs more than other state schools but offers strong value through its 84.80% graduation rate and strong industry connections. Music graduates from the Twin Cities program benefit from proximity to Minnesota's largest arts community and performance venues. The program's location provides internship opportunities and networking that can justify the additional investment.

What career prospects do Minnesota music graduates face?

Music graduates in Minnesota earn between $19,592 and $32,391 annually, with higher earners typically found in education, performance, or music therapy roles. The state's creative economy supports over 100,000 jobs, including positions at organizations like the Minnesota Orchestra and Minnesota Public Radio. Many graduates find work as music educators in the state's school districts, which consistently hire qualified music teachers.

Is financial aid available specifically for music students in Minnesota?

Minnesota students benefit from the state grant program, which helped keep net prices low across all institutions in this analysis. Many schools offer additional music-specific scholarships based on talent and need, with some programs providing performance-based aid. Private institutions like Bethany Lutheran College and Saint Mary's University often provide substantial aid packages that reduce their sticker prices significantly.

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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.