2026 Best Value Music Performance Schools in Louisiana

1

Mcneese State University
Lake Charles, LA

Our analysis ranked Mcneese State University the best value for a degree in music performance in Louisiana. Mcneese State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Lake Charles. Students from in state pay about $8,489 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,989 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for music performance graduates is $23,250. Early-career music performance graduates make about $36,305. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%.

2

University Of Louisiana Monroe
Monroe, LA

Students looking for strong value in music performance will find it at University Of Louisiana Monroe, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Monroe, University Of Louisiana Monroe is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,190, with out-of-state students paying around $21,290. Students borrow a median of $22,465 to complete the music performance program here. Soon after graduation, music performance degree recipients from University Of Louisiana Monroe generally make around $47,162. That is a strong return on a $22,465 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.

3

Southeastern Louisiana University
Hammond, LA

Southeastern Louisiana University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value music performance schools. Southeastern Louisiana University is a large public school located in the city of Hammond. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,373, compared with $20,851 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $30,745 to complete the music performance program here. Soon after graduation, music performance degree recipients from Southeastern Louisiana University generally make around $41,404. Set against $30,745 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southeastern Louisiana University admits about 99% of applicants.

4

Northwestern State University Of Louisiana
Natchitoches, LA

Northwestern State University Of Louisiana came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value music performance schools. Located in the town of Natchitoches, Northwestern State University Of Louisiana is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,864, compared with $19,652 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,885 to complete the music performance program here. Early-career music performance graduates make about $23,529. Set against $22,885 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.

5

University Of Louisiana Lafayette
Lafayette, LA

University Of Louisiana Lafayette came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value music performance schools. Located in the city of Lafayette, University Of Louisiana Lafayette is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,418 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,146. Students borrow a median of $25,115 to complete the music performance program here. Soon after graduation, music performance degree recipients from University Of Louisiana Lafayette generally make around $13,479. That is a strong return on a $25,115 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.

6

Southern University And A And M College
Baton Rouge, LA

Southern University And A And M College landed the #6 spot for music performance value this year. Located in the city of Baton Rouge, Southern University And A And M College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,922, with out-of-state students paying around $17,272. Music Performance graduates carry a median of $33,288 in student loans. Music Performance graduates of Southern University And A And M College earn a median of $45,304 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern University And A And M College admits about 35% of applicants.

7

Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College
Baton Rouge, LA

Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College placed #7 among the best values for music performance. Set in the city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,954, while out-of-state students pay about $28,631. Music Performance graduates carry a median of $19,455 in student loans. Early-career music performance graduates make about $28,530. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted.

8

Loyola University New Orleans
New Orleans, LA

Loyola University New Orleans came in at #8 for value in music performance this year. Loyola University New Orleans is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of New Orleans. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,440. Music Performance graduates carry a median of $26,899 in student loans. Early-career music performance graduates make about $48,040. Set against $26,899 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Loyola University New Orleans admits about 93% of applicants.