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Cheapest Music Colleges in North Carolina

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

Music students can earn a degree for just $6,608 net cost at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, making it North Carolina's most affordable option. The state's public universities dominate the lower end of the cost spectrum, with seven schools charging under $13,000 annually. Elizabeth City State University graduates earn $20,140 early in their careers, while Western Carolina University alumni command the highest salaries at $36,368. North Carolina's music scene benefits from the state's thriving entertainment industry, particularly in Charlotte and the Research Triangle area, where recording studios, performance venues, and media companies create opportunities for music graduates. The University of North Carolina School of the Arts stands out with a 79.20% graduation rate despite being highly selective with only 31.78% acceptance. Public schools like UNC Chapel Hill offer strong value, combining low costs with strong earning potential of $33,993 for graduates.
44
Programs
$6,608 – $41,048
Net Price Range
$27,015
Avg. Program Earnings
54.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

44 Music Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,608 $10,646 46.4% 80.0%
2 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
3 $7,360 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
4 $9,918 $3,571 44.5% 89.7%
5 $10,170 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
6 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
7 $12,372 $9,477 79.2% 31.8%
8 $12,579 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
9 $12,865 $7,461 55.0% 74.3%
10 $12,983 $8,989 92.1% 17.1%
11 $13,393 $6,735 48.6% 73.4%
12 $14,083 $17,176 20.2% 61.0%
13 $14,745 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
14 $15,028 $6,542 46.0% 84.4%
15 $15,662 $18,296 27.1% 63.8%
16 $16,189 $27,110 28.5% 86.7%
17 $16,487 $7,541 73.1% 83.1%
18 $16,514 $7,361 62.1% 92.3%
19 $17,740 $16,896 33.2% 58.9%
20 $17,893 $25,950 47.5% 74.6%
21 $18,127 $60,300 91.9% 17.0%
22 $18,210 $33,400 52.1% 67.1%
23 $18,835 $32,236 56.3% 87.5%
24 $19,314 $20,400 40.8% 84.3%
25 $19,472 $7,317 70.7% 68.8%
26 $20,011 $20,480 34.1% 25.3%
27 $20,197 $43,936 65.0% 73.2%
28 $20,313 $37,270 41.9% 74.2%
29 $21,200 $41,140 47.7% 83.5%
30 $21,371 $40,196 46.8% 86.2%
31 $21,376 $31,250 39.0% 39.9%
32 $21,953 $33,930 42.6% 69.1%
33 $22,858 $19,140 20.6% 44.6%
34 $23,393 $30,900 51.0% 82.9%
35 $23,719 $40,290 43.2% 84.0%
36 $23,991 $40,410 55.9% 88.6%
37 $24,137 $33,450 61.7% 75.0%
38 $24,978 $39,664 40.1% 75.7%
39 $26,328 $33,860 40.6% 68.1%
40 $27,786 $43,285 65.9% 71.3%
41 $28,746 $64,758 90.9% 21.4%
42 $34,454 $65,805 95.8% 6.4%
43 $40,721 $44,208 70.0% 78.9%
44 $41,048 $44,536 83.0% 74.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes North Carolina's most affordable music programs stand out?

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary offers the lowest net cost at $6,608, followed closely by Elizabeth City State University at $7,237. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with eight schools charging under $12,000 annually. These programs provide access to quality music education without the high costs typical of private conservatories.

How do graduation rates vary among North Carolina's cheapest music programs?

The University of North Carolina School of the Arts leads with a 79.20% graduation rate, followed by UNC Chapel Hill at 92.10%. However, several affordable options show concerning completion rates, with Shaw University at just 20.20% and Livingstone College at 27.10%. Students should weigh cost against completion likelihood when choosing programs.

What earning potential do graduates from affordable North Carolina music programs have?

Western Carolina University graduates earn the highest early-career salaries at $36,368, despite the program costing just $12,579 annually. UNC Chapel Hill and UNC Greensboro graduates also perform well, earning $33,993 and $33,565 respectively. Elizabeth City State University offers solid returns with $20,140 earnings for a net cost of only $7,237.

Does North Carolina offer good financial aid for music students?

The state provides the NC Need-Based Scholarship to help low-income students access higher education. Public universities show significant differences between sticker price and net cost, with UNC Pembroke charging just $3,571 in-state but $9,918 net cost. Private schools like Southeastern Baptist offer competitive net prices despite higher published tuition rates.

Where can music graduates find employment opportunities in North Carolina?

The Research Triangle area offers positions in media companies, recording studios, and tech firms needing audio specialists. Charlotte's banking sector employs musicians for corporate events and marketing, while the city's entertainment district provides performance opportunities. The state's growing film industry also creates demand for composers, sound engineers, and music supervisors across various production companies.

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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.