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Cheapest Music Colleges in Pennsylvania

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

Lincoln University stands out with the lowest net cost at $12,912 for Music students in Pennsylvania, while Swarthmore College achieves a remarkable 94.10% graduation rate despite its selective 6.93% acceptance rate. Public universities dominate the most affordable options, with five of the top eight spots offering in-state tuition below $13,000. The earnings data reveals significant variation, from $22,602 at Indiana University of Pennsylvania to $35,351 at West Chester University. Pennsylvania's music scene benefits from major employers like Comcast, which operates numerous entertainment divisions, and the state's proximity to major media markets in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The PA State Grant provides additional financial support for in-state students, making public options even more accessible. Private institutions like Lycoming College and Westminster College offer competitive net costs around $19,000-$21,000, bridging the gap between public affordability and private college resources. Graduation rates vary widely across the 20 programs, from 42.20% at Albright College to over 90% at top-tier institutions.
47
Programs
$12,912 – $44,154
Net Price Range
$25,796
Avg. Program Earnings
71.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

47 Music Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,912 $12,512 52.1% 80.6%
2 $17,216 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
3 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
4 $19,258 $47,675 59.6% 75.2%
5 $19,524 $10,507 65.9% 74.3%
6 $19,685 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
7 $20,231 $12,262 54.4% 92.4%
8 $20,800 $39,470 65.9% 75.3%
9 $21,043 $33,610 61.5% 79.1%
10 $21,205 $11,230 54.1% 96.1%
11 $21,664 $28,794 42.2% 84.9%
12 $21,900 $54,960 66.5% 69.7%
13 $22,222 $39,570 72.5% 80.8%
14 $22,558 $41,414 71.0% 78.3%
15 $22,673 $10,687 69.8% 87.9%
16 $22,870 $29,990 71.4% 97.2%
17 $23,331 $41,100 72.1% 73.4%
18 $25,210 $68,300 89.4% 14.2%
19 $25,544 $28,185 71.4% 88.1%
20 $25,717 $43,810 66.2% 66.3%
21 $25,885 $37,420 56.0% 63.2%
22 $26,198 $36,842 77.1% 81.1%
23 $26,539 $57,400 74.1% 76.7%
24 $27,263 $44,510 58.7% 80.6%
25 $27,499 $24,510 56.1% 82.4%
26 $27,686 $40,640 78.5% 79.4%
27 $28,132 $50,320 72.5% 76.7%
28 $29,219 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
29 $29,464 $28,550 64.5% 69.7%
30 $29,577 $32,625 65.2% 81.0%
31 $29,843 $52,000 71.1% 67.0%
32 $29,944 $39,410 56.1% 98.2%
33 $30,074 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
34 $30,086 $64,230 82.7% 56.3%
35 $30,314 $60,240 80.2% 65.5%
36 $30,485 $59,196 76.6% 82.2%
37 $31,229 $66,104 96.8% 6.5%
38 $31,671 $63,829 92.5% 11.3%
39 $32,191 $63,475 83.4% 34.9%
40 $32,496 $62,574 88.1% 33.6%
41 $33,549 $62,180 89.2% 37.0%
42 $34,978 $47,146 75.5% 87.5%
43 $35,487 $51,340 79.8% 88.7%
44 $39,061 $68,380 86.0% 36.2%
45 $40,429 $64,772 86.2% 32.6%
46 $40,690 $62,560 85.6% 30.8%
47 $44,154 $54,290 69.2% 80.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Lincoln University the most affordable Music program in Pennsylvania?

Lincoln University offers the lowest net cost at $12,912 and charges just $12,512 for in-state tuition. As a historically black public university, it maintains affordable rates while providing full music education. The school accepts 80.61% of applicants, making it accessible both financially and academically. However, students should note the 52.10% graduation rate when considering their options.

How do public versus private Music programs compare in cost?

Public universities offer significant savings with in-state tuition ranging from $10,507 at Slippery Rock to $12,512 at Lincoln University. Private institutions charge substantially more, with Swarthmore at $62,412 and Allegheny at $54,960 in published tuition. However, generous financial aid at private schools can reduce net costs to competitive levels, like Swarthmore's $18,686 net price. The gap narrows considerably when comparing actual student costs after aid.

What earning potential do Music graduates have in Pennsylvania?

Early career earnings for Music graduates range from $22,602 at Indiana University of Pennsylvania to $35,351 at West Chester University. This $12,749 difference reflects various factors including program focus, alumni networks, and regional job markets. Pennsylvania's entertainment industry, anchored by companies like Comcast and proximity to major markets, provides opportunities in media production, live performance, and music education. The state's healthcare systems also employ music therapists at competitive salaries.

Is Swarthmore College worth considering despite its high selectivity?

Swarthmore accepts only 6.93% of applicants but achieves an outstanding 94.10% graduation rate, the highest among these programs. The college's net cost of $18,686 ranks third most affordable despite a published tuition of $62,412. Students benefit from strong financial aid and access to top-tier faculty and facilities. The small, highly selective environment creates strong alumni connections valuable in competitive music careers.

Where do Pennsylvania Music programs show concerning graduation rates?

Several programs show graduation rates below 55%, including Albright College at 42.20%, Lincoln University at 52.10%, and Indiana University of Pennsylvania at 52.40%. Kutztown University graduates 54.10% of students despite accepting 96.14% of applicants. These lower completion rates may reflect factors like academic preparation, financial pressures, or program structure. Students should research support services and academic resources when considering these more accessible options.

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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.