2026 Best Value Music Education Schools in Michigan

1

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI

Our analysis ranked University Of Michigan Ann Arbor the best value for a degree in music education in Michigan. Located in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,848, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. Students borrow a median of $19,137 to complete the music education program here. Music Education graduates of University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earn a median of $66,254 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,137 median debt. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor admits about 16% of applicants.

2

Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MI

Oakland University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in music education, landing the #2 spot this year. Oakland University is a large public school located in the suburb of Rochester Hills. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,167, while out-of-state students pay about $24,735. Music Education graduates carry a median of $25,972 in student loans. Soon after graduation, music education degree recipients from Oakland University generally make around $58,637. That is a strong return on a $25,972 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

3

Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI

Central Michigan University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value music education schools. Set in the town of Mount Pleasant, Central Michigan University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,480. Music Education graduates carry a median of $29,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, music education degree recipients from Central Michigan University generally make around $52,168. That is a strong return on a $29,000 median debt. Central Michigan University admits about 90% of applicants.

4

Albion College
Albion, MI

Albion College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in music education, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the town of Albion, Albion College is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $56,950 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for music education graduates is $26,047. Music Education graduates of Albion College earn a median of $40,829 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,047 median debt. Albion College admits about 81% of applicants.

5

Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI

Eastern Michigan University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in music education, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Ypsilanti, Eastern Michigan University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,990. Music Education graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Music Education graduates of Eastern Michigan University earn a median of $46,732 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.

6

Northern Michigan University
Marquette, MI

Northern Michigan University landed the #6 spot for music education value this year. Located in the town of Marquette, Northern Michigan University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,322, while out-of-state students pay about $19,944. Music Education graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career music education graduates make about $48,767. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Michigan University admits about 84% of applicants.

7

Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI

Western Michigan University placed #7 among the best values for music education. Located in the city of Kalamazoo, Western Michigan University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,987 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. Typical student debt for music education graduates is $29,000. Soon after graduation, music education degree recipients from Western Michigan University generally make around $48,382. That is a strong return on a $29,000 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.

8

Spring Arbor University
Spring Arbor, MI

Spring Arbor University placed #8 among the best values for music education. Set in the rural area of Spring Arbor, Spring Arbor University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,014. Music Education graduates carry a median of $28,360 in student loans. Soon after graduation, music education degree recipients from Spring Arbor University generally make around $48,316. Set against $28,360 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted.

9

Adrian College
Adrian, MI

Adrian College came in at #9 for value in music education this year. Set in the town of Adrian, Adrian College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $41,684 in tuition and fees. Music Education graduates carry a median of $30,994 in student loans. Music Education graduates of Adrian College earn a median of $43,444 early in their careers. Set against $30,994 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%.

10

Cornerstone University
Grand Rapids, MI

Cornerstone University came in at #10 for value in music education this year. Set in the city of Grand Rapids, Cornerstone University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $23,000. Students borrow a median of $29,000 to complete the music education program here. Early-career music education graduates make about $44,501. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%.

11

Hope College
Holland, MI

Hope College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value music education schools. Hope College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Holland. In-state tuition and fees average $39,484. Typical student debt for music education graduates is $27,000. Early-career music education graduates make about $45,137. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 79%.