Cheapest Music Colleges in Washington

Eastern Washington University delivers the state's most affordable music education at $13,091 net cost, while private options like Whitworth University charge nearly double at $25,884. This $12,793 gap reflects Washington's public university system strength, where the Washington College Grant can cover full tuition for qualifying students. Music graduates across the state earn between $18,185 and $34,711, with Washington State University alumni commanding the highest salaries. The Seattle area's thriving music scene, from the Seattle Symphony to indie venues in Capitol Hill, creates performance opportunities alongside tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft that increasingly hire musicians for audio engineering and user experience roles. Public universities dominate affordability rankings, with four of the five cheapest options being state institutions that maintain strong music programs despite budget constraints.

Programs

$13,091 – $42,033

Net Price Range

$24,214

Avg. Program Earnings

65.1%

Avg. Graduation Rate

17 Music Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Eastern Washington University Cheney, Washington	$13,091	$8,353	47.2%	96.1%
2	University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, Washington	$13,485	$12,643	83.7%	47.5%
3	Washington State University Pullman, Washington	$14,401	$12,997	61.6%	83.1%
4	Central Washington University Ellensburg, Washington	$14,715	$9,192	49.9%	93.5%
5	Western Washington University Bellingham, Washington	$18,680	$9,286	65.5%	92.7%
6	Pacific Lutheran University Tacoma, Washington	$21,370	$50,964	71.0%	88.9%
7	Saint Martin's University Lacey, Washington	$22,618	$44,210	57.1%	95.0%
8	Walla Walla University College Place, Washington	$23,992	$33,027	64.2%
9	Seattle Pacific University Seattle, Washington	$24,820	$38,814	62.1%	90.7%
10	Northwest University Kirkland, Washington	$25,161	$36,035	63.5%	94.3%
11	Whitworth University Spokane, Washington	$25,884	$50,920	68.4%	90.5%
12	Seattle University Seattle, Washington	$34,802	$54,285	73.3%	85.2%
13	Whitman College Walla Walla, Washington	$35,506	$61,492	81.0%	47.7%
14	Gonzaga University Spokane, Washington	$36,371	$53,500	86.9%	69.7%
15	University of Puget Sound Tacoma, Washington	$38,920	$59,900	67.9%	82.7%
16	Cornish College of the Arts Seattle, Washington	$39,060	$39,913	52.0%	71.1%
17	DigiPen Institute of Technology Redmond, Washington	$42,033	$37,400	51.6%	66.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Eastern Washington University's music program so affordable compared to other options?

Eastern Washington University charges just $13,091 in net costs, making it the cheapest music program in the state. As a public university with a 96.12% acceptance rate, EWU keeps costs low through state funding while maintaining accessible admission standards. The school's rural Cheney location also contributes to lower overall expenses compared to Seattle-area institutions. However, graduates earn $21,964 annually with a 47.20% graduation rate, reflecting the trade-offs between affordability and outcomes.

How much do Washington State University music graduates typically earn?

Washington State University music graduates earn $34,711 annually, the highest among Washington music programs with available salary data. This represents a significant premium over other schools like Western Washington University, where graduates earn $18,185. WSU's strong alumni network and connections to the broader Pacific Northwest region likely contribute to these higher earnings. The university charges $14,401 net cost, making it both affordable and financially rewarding for music students.

Is the University of Washington-Seattle worth the competitive admission process for music students?

The University of Washington-Seattle accepts only 47.52% of applicants, making it highly selective compared to other state schools like Central Washington University at 93.49%. Despite this selectivity, UW-Seattle costs just $13,485 net, ranking as the second most affordable option. The school boasts an impressive 83.70% graduation rate, far above the state average for music programs. Students gain access to Seattle's music industry connections and cultural institutions that can justify the competitive admission process.

Does attending a private music school in Washington provide better graduation rates?

Private schools generally show higher graduation rates, with Gonzaga University leading at 86.90% and Whitman College at 81.00%. These rates significantly exceed public options like Eastern Washington University's 47.20% or Central Washington's 49.90%. However, private schools cost considerably more, with nets ranging from $21,370 at Pacific Lutheran to $38,920 at University of Puget Sound. The higher completion rates may reflect smaller class sizes and more individualized attention rather than inherently superior music programs.

More Music Rankings

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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.