2026 Best Value Music Education Schools in Iowa

1

University Of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA

University Of Northern Iowa earned the #1 spot for value among music education schools in Iowa. Located in the city of Cedar Falls, University Of Northern Iowa is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,936 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,712. Music Education graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Music Education graduates of University Of Northern Iowa earn a median of $52,307 early in their careers. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%.

2

Iowa State University
Ames, IA

Students looking for strong value in music education will find it at Iowa State University, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Ames, Iowa State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Music Education graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, music education degree recipients from Iowa State University generally make around $47,559. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%.

3

Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, IA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Buena Vista University earned it the #3 place for music education. Located in the town of Storm Lake, Buena Vista University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $41,798. Students borrow a median of $29,008 to complete the music education program here. Soon after graduation, music education degree recipients from Buena Vista University generally make around $44,551. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Buena Vista University admits about 78% of applicants.

4

University Of Iowa
Iowa City, IA

Students looking for strong value in music education will find it at University Of Iowa, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Iowa City, University Of Iowa is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. Typical student debt for music education graduates is $25,000. Early-career music education graduates make about $46,908. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.

5

William Penn University
Oskaloosa, IA

Students looking for strong value in music education will find it at William Penn University, which ranked #5. Located in the town of Oskaloosa, William Penn University is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $29,750 in tuition and fees. Music Education graduates carry a median of $28,341 in student loans. Early-career music education graduates make about $39,727. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted.

6

Wartburg College
Waverly, IA

Wartburg College placed #6 among the best values for music education. Set in the town of Waverly, Wartburg College is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $26,250. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the music education program here. Music Education graduates of Wartburg College earn a median of $45,677 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wartburg College admits about 76% of applicants.

7

Morningside College
Sioux City, IA

Morningside College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value music education schools. Located in the city of Sioux City, Morningside College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,519. Students borrow a median of $28,000 to complete the music education program here. Early-career music education graduates make about $52,560. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Morningside College admits about 71% of applicants.

8

Northwestern College Iowa
Orange City, IA

Northwestern College Iowa came in at #8 for value in music education this year. Set in the town of Orange City, Northwestern College Iowa is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $36,710 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,415 to complete the music education program here. Soon after graduation, music education degree recipients from Northwestern College Iowa generally make around $54,845. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.

9

Drake University
Des Moines, IA

Drake University placed #9 among the best values for music education. Drake University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Des Moines. Students from in state pay about $51,960 in tuition and fees. Music Education graduates carry a median of $22,273 in student loans. Music Education graduates of Drake University earn a median of $56,228 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 64%.