2026 Best Value Music Schools in Washington

1

Shoreline Community College
Shoreline, WA

Leading the list is Shoreline Community College, our #1 best value for music in Washington. Located in the suburb of Shoreline, Shoreline Community College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,115, while out-of-state students pay about $7,905. Typical student debt for music graduates is $17,644. Soon after graduation, music degree recipients from Shoreline Community College generally make around $62,009. Set against $17,644 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

Eastern Washington University
Cheney, WA

Students looking for strong value in music will find it at Eastern Washington University, which ranked #2. Set in the town of Cheney, Eastern Washington University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,586 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $26,583. Music graduates carry a median of $21,754 in student loans. Early-career music graduates make about $47,144. Set against $21,754 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%.

3

University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA

A rank of #3 makes University Of Washington Seattle Campus one of the best values for music. Located in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,481 to complete the music program here. Music graduates of University Of Washington Seattle Campus earn a median of $65,681 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted.

4

Washington State University
Pullman, WA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Washington State University earned it the #4 place for music. Washington State University is a very large public school located in the town of Pullman. In-state tuition and fees average $13,391, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Typical student debt for music graduates is $24,503. Music graduates of Washington State University earn a median of $54,697 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,503 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%.

5

Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA

Central Washington University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in music, landing the #5 spot this year. Central Washington University is a very large public school located in the town of Ellensburg. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,417, with out-of-state students paying around $27,526. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the music program here. Music graduates of Central Washington University earn a median of $48,556 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%.

6

Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA

Western Washington University placed #6 among the best values for music. Western Washington University is a large public school located in the city of Bellingham. Students from in state pay about $9,582 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,707. Typical student debt for music graduates is $20,055. Early-career music graduates make about $15,834. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.

7

Pacific Lutheran University
Tacoma, WA

Pacific Lutheran University came in at #7 for value in music this year. Located in the suburb of Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $50,916 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,815 to complete the music program here. Soon after graduation, music degree recipients from Pacific Lutheran University generally make around $17,711. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%.

8

University Of Puget Sound
Tacoma, WA

University Of Puget Sound ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value music schools. University Of Puget Sound is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Tacoma. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,898. Music graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Music graduates of University Of Puget Sound earn a median of $25,551 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.

9

Seattle Film Institute
Seattle, WA

Seattle Film Institute ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value music schools. Seattle Film Institute is a small private for-profit school located in the city of Seattle. In-state tuition and fees average $33,000. Typical student debt for music graduates is $21,664. Soon after graduation, music degree recipients from Seattle Film Institute generally make around $24,237.