Cheapest Music Colleges in New York

CUNY Hunter College charges music students just $2,446 per year after aid, making it the most affordable option among New York's 20 music programs by a significant margin. The complete range spans from Hunter's bargain rate to $18,486 at the high end, creating a $16,000 cost difference that reflects the stark divide between CUNY schools and other institutions. Seven of the eight most affordable programs belong to the City University of New York system, with net costs below $6,000 annually. New York's music scene employs thousands across Broadway theaters, recording studios, concert venues, and media companies, providing graduates with career opportunities that justify the investment. However, earnings data reveals wide variation, from $15,288 to $35,060 annually, suggesting program choice significantly impacts financial outcomes. CUNY Baruch College graduates earn $35,060 despite paying only $2,978 in net costs, demonstrating that affordability doesn't necessarily compromise earning potential in this field.

Programs

$2,446 – $35,035

Net Price Range

$23,129

Avg. Program Earnings

65.4%

Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Music Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	CUNY Hunter College New York, New York	$2,446	$7,382	61.0%	47.9%
2	CUNY Brooklyn College Brooklyn, New York	$2,943	$7,452	56.6%	54.5%
3	CUNY Bernard M Baruch College New York, New York	$2,978	$7,464	72.1%	49.5%
4	CUNY Lehman College Bronx, New York	$3,482	$7,410	49.3%	55.3%
5	CUNY City College New York, New York	$3,486	$7,340	54.7%	66.6%
6	CUNY Queens College Queens, New York	$3,830	$7,538	60.2%	69.5%
7	CUNY York College Jamaica, New York	$4,734	$7,358	30.3%	59.1%
8	College of Staten Island CUNY Staten Island, New York	$5,115	$7,490	32.8%
9	Villa Maria College Buffalo, New York	$13,980	$28,670	31.0%	78.2%
10	SUNY Buffalo State University Buffalo, New York	$14,229	$8,486	36.0%	86.0%
11	SUNY College at Potsdam Potsdam, New York	$14,295	$8,712	47.9%	82.7%
12	SUNY at Fredonia Fredonia, New York	$15,644	$8,771	53.5%	84.6%
13	Mercy University Dobbs Ferry, New York	$15,770	$22,106	48.1%	85.9%
14	SUNY College at Plattsburgh Plattsburgh, New York	$16,547	$8,881	58.8%	70.2%
15	State University of New York at Oswego Oswego, New York	$17,231	$8,769	60.4%	82.6%
16	SUNY College at Geneseo Geneseo, New York	$18,021	$8,966	72.1%	74.9%
17	Canisius University Buffalo, New York	$18,322	$32,720	70.7%	77.7%
18	Stony Brook University Stony Brook, New York	$18,430	$10,560	77.8%	49.1%
19	State University of New York at New Paltz New Paltz, New York	$18,481	$8,524	68.9%	58.3%
20	University at Albany Albany, New York	$18,486	$10,408	63.9%	67.9%
21	SUNY Oneonta Oneonta, New York	$18,833	$8,812	70.2%	72.5%
22	SUNY at Purchase College Purchase, New York	$19,067	$8,953	61.6%	74.7%
23	State University of New York at Cortland Cortland, New York	$19,951	$8,815	68.2%	59.8%
24	Columbia University in the City of New York New York, New York	$20,148	$69,045	95.0%	4.0%
25	University at Buffalo Buffalo, New York	$20,470	$10,782	73.4%	67.7%
26	Five Towns College Dix Hills, New York	$20,799	$29,950	49.0%	58.3%
27	Houghton University Houghton, New York	$21,148	$17,290	64.7%	77.0%
28	Binghamton University Vestal, New York	$21,364	$10,363	83.6%	41.8%
29	Roberts Wesleyan University Rochester, New York	$23,461	$37,504	63.9%	99.5%
30	Elmira College Elmira, New York	$23,735	$37,932	64.0%	96.0%
31	The College of Saint Rose Albany, New York	$23,819	$37,452	51.0%	78.0%
32	Long Island University Brookville, New York	$23,901	$41,642	55.4%	92.7%
33	Manhattanville College Purchase, New York	$25,842	$42,950	53.7%	84.1%
34	Molloy College Rockville Centre, New York	$26,870	$37,840	71.8%	76.6%
35	St Bonaventure University Saint Bonaventure, New York	$27,151	$40,150	70.4%	81.1%
36	Wagner College Staten Island, New York	$27,733	$52,000	68.1%	68.5%
37	Hamilton College Clinton, New York	$28,314	$65,740	91.3%	11.8%
38	Adelphi University Garden City, New York	$28,348	$47,290	68.9%	72.8%
39	Colgate University Hamilton, New York	$29,107	$67,024	90.5%	12.4%
40	Hartwick College Oneonta, New York	$29,800	$52,849	46.2%	59.7%
41	University of Rochester Rochester, New York	$30,248	$64,348	84.5%	38.9%
42	Nazareth University Rochester, New York	$30,521	$40,880	72.9%	83.9%
43	St Lawrence University Canton, New York	$30,561	$63,870	79.7%	63.5%
44	Hobart William Smith Colleges Geneva, New York	$31,057	$63,268	72.7%	68.4%
45	Bard College Annandale-On-Hudson, New York	$31,771	$63,612	72.7%	46.1%
46	Cornell University Ithaca, New York	$32,337	$66,014	95.1%	7.5%
47	Ithaca College Ithaca, New York	$32,965	$50,510	74.1%	75.2%
48	Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy, New York	$33,139	$61,884	83.2%	64.5%
49	Skidmore College Saratoga Springs, New York	$34,581	$65,030	81.7%	25.5%
50	New York University New York, New York	$35,035	$60,438	88.5%	12.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY schools so much cheaper for music students than other New York options?

CUNY schools dominate the most affordable tier, with seven programs charging under $6,000 net annually compared to private options like Villa Maria College at $13,980. As public institutions, CUNY colleges receive state funding that keeps tuition low for residents. The system's economies of scale and urban locations also reduce operational costs compared to rural campuses or private colleges.

How much do music graduates actually earn compared to program costs?

Earnings range from $15,288 to $35,060 annually, creating significant variation in return on investment. CUNY Baruch College graduates earn $35,060 while paying just $2,978 net costs, offering strong value. However, some programs like Mercy University show graduates earning only $16,992 despite $15,770 in annual costs, highlighting the importance of careful program selection.

Is the graduation rate concerning at some affordable music programs?

Several low-cost options show graduation rates below 50 percent, including CUNY York College at 30.3 percent and College of Staten Island at 32.8 percent. CUNY Hunter College maintains a solid 61 percent graduation rate despite its $2,446 cost. Higher-priced SUNY schools like Oswego achieve 60.4 percent graduation rates, suggesting some correlation between cost and completion.

Does attending school in New York City provide better music career opportunities?

New York City hosts Broadway theaters, major recording studios, television networks, and concert venues that create thousands of music industry jobs. Schools like CUNY Hunter College and Brooklyn College place students directly in this environment for internships and networking. However, graduates from upstate programs like SUNY Oswego still achieve strong earnings of $34,704, proving success isn't limited to city campuses.

Where can music students find the best balance of affordability and outcomes?

CUNY Hunter College offers the optimal combination with $2,446 net costs, 61 percent graduation rate, and $32,391 graduate earnings. CUNY Baruch College provides the highest earnings at $35,060 for just $2,978 annually. SUNY Oswego represents good value among higher-priced options, with $17,231 costs leading to $34,704 earnings and strong graduation rates.

More Music Rankings

Best Value Music in New York Music Under $20,000 in New York

All Music Programs Best Colleges in New York Best Music in New York

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.