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Cheapest Music Colleges in Tennessee

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

Le Moyne-Owen College stands out with a net cost of just $8,992 for music students, making it the most affordable option among Tennessee's 20 programs. This private college in Memphis costs nearly $6,000 less than Middle Tennessee State University's $14,599, despite both schools being in major music cities. Tennessee's public universities dominate the affordable end of the spectrum, with seven of the ten cheapest programs coming from state institutions. The earnings gap tells an interesting story too, with graduates earning between $21,798 and $31,314 annually. Nashville's music industry provides obvious career paths, but Memphis also offers opportunities in the broader entertainment sector. Tennessee State University graduates earn $29,685 on average while maintaining one of the lowest net costs at $10,026. The state's lack of income tax means graduates keep more of their earnings, whether they land jobs at Nashville's record labels or Memphis's music venues.
35
Programs
$8,992 – $32,096
Net Price Range
$25,657
Avg. Program Earnings
54.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

35 Music Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $8,992 $12,076 24.7% 99.6%
2 $10,026 $8,568 33.0%
3 $10,299 $10,208 54.8% 88.4%
4 $12,599 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
5 $12,817 $10,144 53.1% 82.7%
6 $13,253 $10,344 49.4% 94.6%
7 $14,207 $10,084 54.2% 78.1%
8 $14,459 $29,790 54.8% 70.9%
9 $14,494 $11,790 17.0%
10 $14,846 $8,675 44.5% 93.8%
11 $14,879 $29,264 43.6% 60.7%
12 $15,133 $10,506 35.7% 80.3%
13 $15,794 $9,950 49.9% 85.3%
14 $16,494 $18,900 55.9%
15 $17,999 $26,150 53.9% 78.5%
16 $18,109 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
17 $18,292 $27,840 47.0% 66.2%
18 $18,661 $34,700 46.4% 79.8%
19 $19,040 $63,946 92.7% 6.7%
20 $19,983 $20,796 61.4%
21 $20,082 $25,000 68.4% 91.2%
22 $20,303 $20,318 62.2% 63.2%
23 $20,399 $22,690 60.7% 72.6%
24 $20,986 $38,514 47.2% 69.5%
25 $21,131 $39,350 60.3% 66.7%
26 $21,803 $18,168 34.9% 88.8%
27 $23,508 $34,800 46.4% 60.8%
28 $24,334 $25,590 51.4% 65.8%
29 $25,060 $54,892 81.6% 53.9%
30 $25,610 $38,824 68.7% 71.1%
31 $26,135 $24,298 43.5% 71.0%
32 $26,181 $22,000 48.3% 20.4%
33 $26,815 $38,450 70.9% 52.6%
34 $27,498 $53,698 82.4% 52.3%
35 $32,096 $41,320 71.7% 96.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Le Moyne-Owen College so affordable for music students?

Le Moyne-Owen College offers the lowest net cost at $8,992, nearly 30% less than the next cheapest option. As a private nonprofit institution, it likely provides significant financial aid to bring costs down from its $12,076 sticker price. The school maintains a 99.56% acceptance rate, making it accessible to most applicants. However, its 24.70% graduation rate suggests students should carefully consider support systems before enrolling.

How do public universities compare to private schools for music affordability?

Tennessee's public universities claim seven of the ten most affordable spots, with costs ranging from $10,026 to $15,794. Private schools like Trevecca Nazarene University charge $14,459 net cost despite a $29,790 sticker price, showing substantial aid packages. The gap narrows significantly after financial aid, with some private options falling within $4,000 of public alternatives. Public schools generally offer better value when considering graduation rates and post-graduation earnings.

Is Middle Tennessee State University worth the higher cost?

MTSU graduates earn $31,314 annually, the highest among schools with available data, justifying its $12,599 net cost. The university maintains a solid 54% graduation rate and 72.54% acceptance rate, balancing selectivity with accessibility. Located in Murfreesboro near Nashville, students gain access to Music City's industry connections. The $20,083 average debt load remains reasonable given the earning potential in Tennessee's music industry.

Where do Tennessee music graduates typically find employment?

Nashville's music industry offers the most obvious career paths, from record labels to live music venues and recording studios. Memphis provides additional opportunities in blues, soul, and entertainment production. Graduates earning $21,798 to $31,314 annually can stretch their income further due to Tennessee's lack of state income tax. The state's growing healthcare and automotive sectors also hire music graduates for corporate communications and training roles.

Does financial aid significantly impact music program costs in Tennessee?

Private schools show dramatic cost reductions through aid, with Trevecca Nazarene dropping from $29,790 to $14,459 net cost. Tennessee State University offers an excellent value with $8,568 in-state tuition resulting in just $10,026 net cost. The Tennessee Promise program covers community college tuition, though these schools weren't included in the music program rankings. Students should compare net prices rather than sticker prices when evaluating affordability.

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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.