2026 Best Value Music Performance Schools in Washington

1

Eastern Washington University
Cheney, WA

Eastern Washington University tops our 2026 list of the best value music performance schools in Washington. Eastern Washington University is a large public school located in the town of Cheney. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,586, while out-of-state students pay about $26,583. Music Performance graduates carry a median of $21,754 in student loans. Early-career music performance graduates make about $47,144. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.

2

University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA

University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value music performance schools. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Seattle. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Students borrow a median of $16,481 to complete the music performance program here. Soon after graduation, music performance degree recipients from University Of Washington Seattle Campus generally make around $65,681. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants.

3

Washington State University
Pullman, WA

Washington State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in music performance, landing the #3 spot this year. Washington State University is a very large public school located in the town of Pullman. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,391, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Students borrow a median of $24,503 to complete the music performance program here. Music Performance graduates of Washington State University earn a median of $54,697 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%.

4

Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA

Central Washington University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value music performance schools. Set in the town of Ellensburg, Central Washington University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,417 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,526 for out-of-state students. Music Performance graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Music Performance graduates of Central Washington University earn a median of $44,178 early in their careers. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

5

Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA

A rank of #5 makes Western Washington University one of the best values for music performance. Set in the city of Bellingham, Western Washington University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,582, while out-of-state students pay about $28,707. Students borrow a median of $20,055 to complete the music performance program here. Music Performance graduates of Western Washington University earn a median of $15,834 early in their careers. Set against $20,055 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.

6

University Of Puget Sound
Tacoma, WA

University Of Puget Sound came in at #6 for value in music performance this year. Located in the city of Tacoma, University Of Puget Sound is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,898. Typical student debt for music performance graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, music performance degree recipients from University Of Puget Sound generally make around $25,551. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Puget Sound admits about 72% of applicants.