2026 Best Value Music Schools in Colorado

1

Colorado State University Pueblo
Pueblo, CO

Colorado State University Pueblo tops our 2026 list of the best value music schools in Colorado. Colorado State University Pueblo is a large public school located in the city of Pueblo. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,720, while out-of-state students pay about $17,944. Music graduates carry a median of $25,325 in student loans. Music graduates of Colorado State University Pueblo earn a median of $49,098 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.

2

Metropolitan State College Of Denver
Denver, CO

Metropolitan State College Of Denver came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value music schools. Located in the city of Denver, Metropolitan State College Of Denver is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,124, compared with $30,684 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $30,971 to complete the music program here. Early-career music graduates make about $19,797. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO

A rank of #3 makes University Of Northern Colorado one of the best values for music. Set in the city of Greeley, University Of Northern Colorado is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,901, with out-of-state students paying around $26,979. Students borrow a median of $24,354 to complete the music program here. Soon after graduation, music degree recipients from University Of Northern Colorado generally make around $27,731. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Northern Colorado admits about 86% of applicants.

4

University Of Colorado Denver
Denver, CO

Students looking for strong value in music will find it at University Of Colorado Denver, which ranked #4. Set in the city of Denver, University Of Colorado Denver is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,383 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,391. Typical student debt for music graduates is $27,000. Early-career music graduates make about $29,483. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted.

5

Colorado State University Fort Collins
Fort Collins, CO

A rank of #5 makes Colorado State University Fort Collins one of the best values for music. Colorado State University Fort Collins is a very large public school located in the city of Fort Collins. In-state tuition and fees average $13,373, compared with $35,061 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for music graduates is $26,837. Music graduates of Colorado State University Fort Collins earn a median of $46,479 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%.

6

University Of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO

University Of Colorado Boulder landed the #6 spot for music value this year. Set in the city of Boulder, University Of Colorado Boulder is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,214, with out-of-state students paying around $42,970. Typical student debt for music graduates is $17,288. Early-career music graduates make about $32,416. Set against $17,288 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Colorado Boulder admits about 78% of applicants.

7

University Of Denver
Denver, CO

University Of Denver landed the #7 spot for music value this year. University Of Denver is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Denver. In-state tuition and fees average $61,398. Students borrow a median of $24,250 to complete the music program here. Early-career music graduates make about $23,403. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.