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Cheapest Music Colleges in Ohio

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

Ohio University's regional campuses claim four of the five cheapest Music degree spots in the state, with net costs ranging from just $4,503 at the Eastern Campus to $6,483 at Chillicothe. These satellite locations share the same $26,750 debt load as their main Athens campus but offer drastically lower net prices for in-state students paying around $6,178 in tuition. The affordability comes with trade-offs in graduation rates, which hover between 12% and 20% across these campuses. Ohio's music scene benefits from major venues like Cleveland Orchestra and Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, plus recording studios serving the state's growing entertainment sector. Private options like Wilberforce University at $7,349 net cost provide alternatives, though most affordable programs cluster in the public system. Music graduates from University of Akron earn a median $13,702 annually, reflecting entry-level positions common in creative fields.
50
Programs
$4,503 – $39,184
Net Price Range
$23,004
Avg. Program Earnings
55.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Music Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
2 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
3 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
4 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
5 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
6 $7,349 $14,776 16.0% 45.1%
7 $11,310 $7,272 37.3%
8 $11,877 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
9 $14,981 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
10 $15,216 $11,188 45.9% 95.2%
11 $15,389 $9,622 43.0%
12 $16,065 $12,613 48.9% 85.3%
13 $16,135 $36,650 54.7% 54.4%
14 $16,544 $7,824 25.6% 88.8%
15 $17,430 $36,298 49.5% 96.3%
16 $17,460 $12,377 55.6% 92.2%
17 $18,292 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
18 $18,372 $38,974 58.1% 82.9%
19 $19,470 $44,602 53.8% 93.9%
20 $19,614 $12,846 65.5% 88.0%
21 $20,004 $34,595 61.7% 72.5%
22 $20,088 $26,265 59.1% 93.1%
23 $20,204 $31,440 52.7% 86.4%
24 $20,413 $13,746 66.4% 86.5%
25 $20,477 $32,606 36.6% 78.5%
26 $20,918 $14,081 62.8% 78.7%
27 $21,607 $23,700 35.7%
28 $21,619 $52,357 61.7% 52.2%
29 $21,662 $33,628 49.8% 71.4%
30 $21,812 $35,524 63.6% 85.3%
31 $21,994 $28,910 60.6% 71.8%
32 $22,140 $34,899 68.9% 83.7%
33 $22,539 $35,400 64.9% 75.8%
34 $22,881 $36,120 51.3% 77.6%
35 $23,156 $13,570 71.5% 86.2%
36 $23,585 $41,788 65.5% 72.2%
37 $23,758 $32,400 43.0% 82.8%
38 $25,022 $36,078 74.3% 64.9%
39 $25,727 $37,800 74.2% 54.4%
40 $25,766 $59,550 73.6% 56.3%
41 $27,654 $37,938 68.6% 77.0%
42 $27,662 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%
43 $29,383 $69,330 86.8% 34.3%
44 $29,541 $20,560 32.2%
45 $31,236 $47,600 81.5% 74.1%
46 $32,342 $48,125 70.5% 84.5%
47 $32,623 $42,500 68.5% 36.2%
48 $38,111 $64,000 80.1% 22.0%
49 $38,909 $64,671 87.0% 27.4%
50 $39,184 $64,646 79.5% 34.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Ohio University's regional campuses so affordable for Music students?

Ohio University's satellite campuses in Saint Clairsville, Ironton, Zanesville, Lancaster, and Chillicothe offer identical in-state tuition of $6,178 but provide significant financial aid packages. The Eastern Campus delivers the lowest net cost at $4,503, while Chillicothe reaches $6,483. These campuses maintain the same degree standards as the main Athens location but serve smaller student populations in rural communities.

How do graduation rates compare across Ohio's cheapest Music programs?

Graduation rates at the most affordable programs vary dramatically, from 12.1% at Ohio University-Chillicothe to 52.9% at Youngstown State University. The regional Ohio University campuses consistently show rates below 21%, while full universities like Youngstown State and University of Akron achieve rates above 48%. Mount St. Joseph University leads affordable private options with a 54.7% graduation rate despite its $16,135 net cost.

What earning potential exists for Music graduates from Ohio's affordable programs?

Music graduates from University of Akron earn a median $13,702 annually, representing typical entry-level salaries in music education and performance. Kent State Stark graduates fare better at $19,455 median earnings, though that campus costs $11,310 net annually. Ohio's music industry includes recording studios, live venues, and educational institutions that provide career paths beyond traditional performance roles.

Is private education worth the cost premium for Music students in Ohio?

Wilberforce University offers the most affordable private Music education at $7,349 net cost, just $2,846 more than the cheapest public option. Mount St. Joseph University costs $16,135 but delivers a 54.7% graduation rate compared to much lower rates at cheaper public campuses. Private schools typically provide smaller class sizes and more personalized attention, which can justify higher costs for some students.

Where do Ohio's most affordable Music programs accept the highest percentage of applicants?

Bluffton University accepts 96.3% of applicants despite charging $17,430 net annually, making it accessible but not necessarily affordable. Wright State University admits 95.2% of applicants at $15,216 net cost, while Central State University accepts 88.8% at $16,544. Ohio University regional campuses don't report acceptance rates, likely due to open enrollment policies for in-state students.

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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.