College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Value Music Education Schools in Indiana

8 Colleges in the United States
$25,296 Avg Student Debt
$56,116 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Music Education Badge [Music Education](/majors/education/teacher-education-and-development/music-education/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

College Factual analyzed 18 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value music education schools.

What’s on this page:

2026 Best Value Music Education Schools in Indiana

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in music education, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Music Education Schools

1

Leading the list is Indiana University South Bend, our #1 best value for music education in Indiana. Located in the city of South Bend, Indiana University South Bend is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,424, compared with $22,811 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for music education graduates is $26,498. Early-career music education graduates make about $43,058. Set against $26,498 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University South Bend admits about 84% of applicants.

2

Students looking for strong value in music education will find it at Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Fort Wayne, Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,532, with out-of-state students paying around $22,887. Music Education graduates carry a median of $30,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, music education degree recipients from Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne generally make around $43,576. Set against $30,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne admits about 84% of applicants.

3
Indiana State University crest
Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Indiana State University earned it the #3 place for music education. Set in the city of Terre Haute, Indiana State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,258 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,322 for out-of-state students. Music Education graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career music education graduates make about $45,862. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.

4

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Indiana University Bloomington earned it the #4 place for music education. Located in the city of Bloomington, Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,144, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete the music education program here. Early-career music education graduates make about $50,587. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.

5

Students looking for strong value in music education will find it at Ball State University, which ranked #5. Set in the city of Muncie, Ball State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,082, while out-of-state students pay about $29,630. Typical student debt for music education graduates is $24,998. Music Education graduates of Ball State University earn a median of $49,745 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

6

University Of Evansville ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value music education schools. Set in the city of Evansville, University Of Evansville is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $44,172 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,234 to complete the music education program here. Early-career music education graduates make about $59,618. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%.

7
Valparaiso University crest
Valparaiso University
Valparaiso, IN

Valparaiso University landed the #7 spot for music education value this year. Located in the suburb of Valparaiso, Valparaiso University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $48,450. Music Education graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career music education graduates make about $46,750. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

8

Indiana Wesleyan University earned the #8 position for value in music education this year. Indiana Wesleyan University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Marion. In-state tuition and fees average $32,352. Students borrow a median of $24,875 to complete the music education program here. Soon after graduation, music education degree recipients from Indiana Wesleyan University generally make around $42,099. That is a strong return on a $24,875 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

9
Taylor University crest
Taylor University
Upland, IN

Taylor University earned the #9 position for value in music education this year. Located in the rural area of Upland, Taylor University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $40,490 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete the music education program here. Early-career music education graduates make about $44,028. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.

10
Butler University crest
Butler University
Indianapolis, IN

Butler University landed the #10 spot for music education value this year. Butler University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Indianapolis. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $47,560. Typical student debt for music education graduates is $25,351. Music Education graduates of Butler University earn a median of $68,222 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,351 median debt. Butler University admits about 85% of applicants.

View All Music Education Rankings >

Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 18 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 8 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs

Compare Your School Options