Cheapest Music Colleges in New Jersey

Princeton University transforms the affordability equation for Music students in New Jersey, offering a net price of just $10,555 despite its $59,710 sticker price through generous financial aid. This creates an unusual market where the state's most selective institution (5.70% acceptance rate) becomes the most affordable option, while public alternatives like New Jersey City University follow at $11,732. The gap between public and private net costs narrows significantly across the state's 20 Music programs, with prices ranging from Princeton's low to $41,315 at the top end. Music graduates can expect starting salaries between $18,087 and $36,852, positioning them well for New Jersey's entertainment industry connections to New York City's Broadway theaters, recording studios, and performance venues. The state's proximity to major cultural centers creates unique opportunities for Music majors, whether pursuing performance, education, or industry careers in the tri-state area's thriving arts ecosystem.

Programs

$10,555 – $41,315

Net Price Range

$27,108

Avg. Program Earnings

65.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Music Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Princeton University Princeton, New Jersey	$10,555	$59,710	97.1%	5.7%
2	New Jersey City University Jersey City, New Jersey	$11,732	$13,971	38.7%	90.1%
3	Kean University Union, New Jersey	$12,168	$13,426	43.4%	82.6%
4	Montclair State University Montclair, New Jersey	$14,159	$14,766	64.3%	91.3%
5	William Paterson University of New Jersey Wayne, New Jersey	$17,764	$15,150	47.7%	91.5%
6	Saint Elizabeth University Morristown, New Jersey	$17,949	$35,942	40.2%	71.9%
7	Rutgers University-Camden Camden, New Jersey	$18,803	$17,079	66.4%	76.5%
8	Rutgers University-Newark Newark, New Jersey	$19,407	$16,586	67.6%	73.9%
9	Georgian Court University Lakewood, New Jersey	$20,218	$37,110	55.1%	75.8%
10	Ramapo College of New Jersey Mahwah, New Jersey	$20,360	$15,978	71.9%	70.5%
11	Caldwell University Caldwell, New Jersey	$21,188	$39,450	58.7%	66.4%
12	Rowan University Glassboro, New Jersey	$22,185	$15,700	68.3%	76.9%
13	Rutgers University-New Brunswick New Brunswick, New Jersey	$23,519	$17,239	85.0%	66.3%
14	Rider University Lawrenceville, New Jersey	$25,287	$38,900	63.3%	84.1%
15	The College of New Jersey Ewing, New Jersey	$25,458	$18,685	85.2%	64.4%
16	Drew University Madison, New Jersey	$25,644	$45,360	72.4%	72.7%
17	Seton Hall University South Orange, New Jersey	$28,921	$51,370	71.5%	75.1%
18	Monmouth University West Long Branch, New Jersey	$31,650	$44,850	70.3%	90.9%
19	Stevens Institute of Technology Hoboken, New Jersey	$40,468	$60,952	89.9%	46.2%
20	Felician University Lodi, New Jersey	$41,315	$37,830	49.7%	89.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Princeton the cheapest Music program despite being private?

Princeton's need-based financial aid reduces the $59,710 sticker price to a $10,555 net cost for the average student. The university meets 100% of demonstrated financial need without loans, making it more affordable than most public options. With a 97.10% graduation rate, students receive strong value despite the highly competitive 5.70% acceptance rate.

How do public university costs compare for Music majors?

New Jersey's public universities offer net prices from $11,732 at New Jersey City University to $25,458 at The College of New Jersey. Most public options fall between $12,000-$23,000 in net costs, with in-state tuition ranging from $13,426 to $18,685. Schools like Montclair State and William Paterson provide solid middle-ground options around $14,000-$18,000.

What earning potential do Music graduates have in New Jersey?

Music program graduates earn between $18,087 and $36,852 annually, with significant variation by institution. Rowan University leads at $36,852, while Ramapo College shows the lowest at $18,087. Most schools cluster around $21,000-$32,000, reflecting varied career paths from performance to music education and industry roles.

Does graduation rate vary significantly among affordable Music programs?

Graduation rates span from 38.70% at New Jersey City University to 97.10% at Princeton University among the most affordable options. Public universities show mixed results, with Rutgers New Brunswick achieving 85.00% while Kean University reaches 43.40%. Higher net costs don't always correlate with better graduation outcomes across the state's programs.

Where do the best value Music programs accept the most students?

New Jersey City University accepts 90.14% of applicants at an $11,732 net cost, making it highly accessible. William Paterson (91.53% acceptance) and Montclair State (91.31% acceptance) also welcome most applicants while maintaining reasonable costs. These schools balance affordability with accessibility, contrasting sharply with Princeton's elite 5.70% acceptance rate.

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.