Cheapest Music Colleges in Oregon

Public universities dominate Oregon's music education scene, with Portland State University offering the state's most affordable option at $12,932 annually. The cost difference between public and private institutions reaches dramatic proportions, as Lewis & Clark College charges nearly three times more at $36,084. Music graduates across Oregon earn between $15,552 and $22,130, reflecting the state's arts economy that benefits from Portland's live music scene and the region's cultural festivals. Eastern Oregon University accepts 98.52% of applicants, making it highly accessible for aspiring musicians. The state's 17 music programs span from small liberal arts colleges to major research universities, with graduation rates varying significantly from 36.60% to 82.10%. Oregon's music industry connects to broader entertainment sectors, supported by the state's film tax incentives and growing media production companies.

Programs

$12,932 – $39,951

Net Price Range

$17,745

Avg. Program Earnings

63.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

17 Music Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Portland State University Portland, Oregon	$12,932	$11,238	53.1%	93.1%
2	Eastern Oregon University La Grande, Oregon	$15,987	$10,671	36.6%	98.5%
3	Southern Oregon University Ashland, Oregon	$16,470	$12,093	44.2%	88.0%
4	Oregon State University-Cascades Campus Bend, Oregon	$17,722	$12,594	51.2%	79.0%
5	Western Oregon University Monmouth, Oregon	$18,290	$11,025	44.8%	83.4%
6	Warner Pacific University Portland, Oregon	$18,818	$21,010	82.1%	72.3%
7	Oregon State University Corvallis, Oregon	$19,568	$13,494	70.6%	82.5%
8	University of Oregon Eugene, Oregon	$21,782	$15,669	71.5%	86.3%
9	Bushnell University Eugene, Oregon	$23,520	$34,740	61.8%	66.9%
10	Willamette University Salem, Oregon	$23,663	$48,268	72.7%	80.6%
11	Corban University Salem, Oregon	$25,525	$37,208	61.0%	34.8%
12	Linfield University McMinnville, Oregon	$27,341	$49,530	65.2%	88.7%
13	George Fox University Newberg, Oregon	$29,981	$40,940	68.7%	91.7%
14	Pacific University Forest Grove, Oregon	$35,350	$54,466	64.8%	92.3%
15	Lewis & Clark College Portland, Oregon	$36,084	$62,350	71.2%	68.6%
16	University of Portland Portland, Oregon	$36,371	$54,900	80.4%	92.5%
17	Reed College Portland, Oregon	$39,951	$67,020	75.9%	30.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Portland State University the most affordable music program in Oregon?

Portland State University charges just $12,932 in net costs for music students, significantly lower than other options in the state. The school maintains an in-state tuition of $11,238 and accepts 93.09% of applicants. Despite the low cost, graduates carry an average debt of $27,000, which remains manageable compared to private alternatives. The university's location in Portland provides access to the city's active music scene and performance opportunities.

How do graduation rates vary among Oregon's most affordable music programs?

Eastern Oregon University shows the lowest graduation rate at 36.60% despite accepting 98.52% of applicants, indicating challenges with student retention. Portland State University graduates 53.10% of music students, while Southern Oregon University achieves 44.20%. Warner Pacific University stands out with an 82.10% graduation rate, though it costs $18,818 annually. These variations suggest that affordability doesn't always correlate with completion rates.

Is there a significant earnings difference between Oregon music program graduates?

Music graduates from Oregon State University-Cascades and Oregon State University both earn $15,552 annually, representing the lower end of the spectrum. University of Oregon graduates earn notably more at $22,130, a difference of $6,578 compared to other programs. The earnings data shows most music graduates in Oregon start below $25,000 annually. These figures reflect entry-level positions in music education, performance, and arts administration common in the region.

Does attending a private music program in Oregon justify the higher costs?

Private programs like Willamette University cost $23,663 compared to Portland State's $12,932, nearly doubling expenses for similar outcomes. Corban University charges $25,525 but accepts only 34.77% of applicants, offering more selective admissions. Private schools often provide smaller class sizes and more individualized attention, with graduation rates ranging from 61% to 82.10%. However, the earnings data doesn't show significant salary premiums that would offset the higher investment costs.

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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.