2026 Best Value Music Education Schools in the Far Western Region

1

University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA

Leading the list is University Of Washington Seattle Campus, our #1 best value for music education in the Far Western Region. Located in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Students borrow a median of $16,481 to complete the music education program here. Music Education graduates of University Of Washington Seattle Campus earn a median of $71,315 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,481 median debt. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted.

2

Eastern Washington University
Cheney, WA

Students looking for strong value in music education will find it at Eastern Washington University, which ranked #2. Located in the town of Cheney, Eastern Washington University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,586, compared with $26,583 for out-of-state students. Music Education graduates carry a median of $23,009 in student loans. Early-career music education graduates make about $41,914. That is a strong return on a $23,009 median debt. Eastern Washington University admits about 91% of applicants.

3

San Jose State University
San Jose, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at San Jose State University earned it the #3 place for music education. Located in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,988 ten years after entry. The acceptance rate is 85%.

4

University Of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of California Los Angeles earned it the #4 place for music education. University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public school located in the city of Los Angeles. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,097 to complete the music education program here. Soon after graduation, music education degree recipients from University Of California Los Angeles generally make around $63,833. That is a strong return on a $16,097 median debt. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted.

5

Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA

Central Washington University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value music education schools. Located in the town of Ellensburg, Central Washington University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,417 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,526 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for music education graduates is $23,377. Soon after graduation, music education degree recipients from Central Washington University generally make around $49,177. Set against $23,377 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

6

Fresno Pacific University
Fresno, CA

Fresno Pacific University came in at #6 for value in music education this year. Fresno Pacific University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Fresno. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,660. Music Education graduates carry a median of $21,875 in student loans. Early-career music education graduates make about $60,890. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fresno Pacific University admits about 64% of applicants.

7

Brigham Young University Hawaii
Laie, HI

Brigham Young University Hawaii came in at #7 for value in music education this year. Brigham Young University Hawaii is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Laie. In-state tuition and fees average $6,630. Soon after graduation, music education degree recipients from Brigham Young University Hawaii generally make around $41,461. Brigham Young University Hawaii admits about 47% of applicants.

8

University Of Nevada Reno
Reno, NV

University Of Nevada Reno ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value music education schools. Located in the city of Reno, University Of Nevada Reno is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,578, with out-of-state students paying around $27,720. Music Education graduates carry a median of $20,769 in student loans. Music Education graduates of University Of Nevada Reno earn a median of $47,544 early in their careers. Set against $20,769 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.

9

Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA

Western Washington University earned the #9 position for value in music education this year. Located in the city of Bellingham, Western Washington University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,582, compared with $28,707 for out-of-state students. Music Education graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Early-career music education graduates make about $37,520. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Washington University admits about 93% of applicants.

10

Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR

Oregon State University landed the #10 spot for music education value this year. Located in the city of Corvallis, Oregon State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $14,400 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,190. Typical student debt for music education graduates is $24,043. Soon after graduation, music education degree recipients from Oregon State University generally make around $50,879. That is a strong return on a $24,043 median debt. Oregon State University admits about 77% of applicants.

11

Pacific Lutheran University
Tacoma, WA

Pacific Lutheran University earned the #11 position for value in music education this year. Pacific Lutheran University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Tacoma. In-state tuition and fees average $50,916. Music Education graduates carry a median of $29,740 in student loans. Music Education graduates of Pacific Lutheran University earn a median of $57,683 early in their careers. Set against $29,740 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.

12

University Of Oregon
Eugene, OR

University Of Oregon earned the #12 position for value in music education this year. University Of Oregon is a very large public school located in the city of Eugene. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,320, compared with $42,516 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,034 to complete the music education program here. Music Education graduates of University Of Oregon earn a median of $44,628 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%.

13

University Of The Pacific
Stockton, CA

University Of The Pacific landed the #13 spot for music education value this year. University Of The Pacific is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Stockton. In-state tuition and fees average $57,080. Music Education graduates carry a median of $23,514 in student loans. Soon after graduation, music education degree recipients from University Of The Pacific generally make around $77,022. Set against $23,514 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%.