2026 Best Value Music Performance Schools in North Carolina

1

University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
Greensboro, NC

Our analysis ranked University Of North Carolina At Greensboro the best value for a degree in music performance in North Carolina. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a large public school located in the city of Greensboro. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,661, while out-of-state students pay about $24,012. Music Performance graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Early-career music performance graduates make about $24,315. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro admits about 88% of applicants.

2

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a great value for students pursuing a degree in music performance, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Chapel Hill, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,994, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete the music performance program here. Music Performance graduates of University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill earn a median of $32,880 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 15% of applicants are accepted.

3

Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC

Students looking for strong value in music performance will find it at Western Carolina University, which ranked #3. Set in the town of Cullowhee, Western Carolina University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,630, compared with $8,630 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the music performance program here. Music Performance graduates of Western Carolina University earn a median of $26,135 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Carolina University admits about 82% of applicants.

4

University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts
Winston Salem, NC

Students looking for strong value in music performance will find it at University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts, which ranked #4. University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts is a small public school located in the city of Winston Salem. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,477, while out-of-state students pay about $27,211. Typical student debt for music performance graduates is $23,143. Soon after graduation, music performance degree recipients from University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts generally make around $19,939. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 30%.

5

University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
Charlotte, NC

University Of North Carolina At Charlotte came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value music performance schools. Located in the city of Charlotte, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,239, with out-of-state students paying around $22,492. Students borrow a median of $25,858 to complete the music performance program here. Soon after graduation, music performance degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Charlotte generally make around $38,831. That is a strong return on a $25,858 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.

6

East Carolina University
Greenville, NC

East Carolina University landed the #6 spot for music performance value this year. Set in the city of Greenville, East Carolina University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,361, with out-of-state students paying around $23,638. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the music performance program here. Soon after graduation, music performance degree recipients from East Carolina University generally make around $51,931. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.