2026 Best Value Music Schools in Louisiana

1

Mcneese State University
Lake Charles, LA

Mcneese State University earned the #1 spot for value among music schools in Louisiana. Set in the city of Lake Charles, Mcneese State University is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,489, with out-of-state students paying around $9,989. Typical student debt for music graduates is $23,250. Early-career music graduates make about $36,305. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. Mcneese State University admits about 78% of applicants.

2

University Of Louisiana Monroe
Monroe, LA

A rank of #2 makes University Of Louisiana Monroe one of the best values for music. University Of Louisiana Monroe is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Monroe. Students from in state pay about $9,190 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,290 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for music graduates is $22,465. Music graduates of University Of Louisiana Monroe earn a median of $47,162 early in their careers. Set against $22,465 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Louisiana Monroe admits about 85% of applicants.

3

Southeastern Louisiana University
Hammond, LA

Southeastern Louisiana University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value music schools. Located in the city of Hammond, Southeastern Louisiana University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,373, with out-of-state students paying around $20,851. Students borrow a median of $30,745 to complete the music program here. Early-career music graduates make about $41,404. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%.

4

Northwestern State University Of Louisiana
Natchitoches, LA

A rank of #4 makes Northwestern State University Of Louisiana one of the best values for music. Northwestern State University Of Louisiana is a large public school located in the town of Natchitoches. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,864, compared with $19,652 for out-of-state students. Music graduates carry a median of $22,885 in student loans. Early-career music graduates make about $23,529. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.

5

University Of Louisiana Lafayette
Lafayette, LA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Louisiana Lafayette earned it the #5 place for music. 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. Music graduates carry a median of $25,115 in student loans. Early-career music graduates make about $13,479. Set against $25,115 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.

6

Southern University And A And M College
Baton Rouge, LA

Southern University And A And M College placed #6 among the best values for music. Set in the city of Baton Rouge, Southern University And A And M College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,922, while out-of-state students pay about $17,272. Music graduates carry a median of $33,288 in student loans. Music graduates of Southern University And A And M College earn a median of $45,304 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $33,288 median debt. 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. Located in the city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,954 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,631. Typical student debt for music graduates is $19,455. Soon after graduation, music degree recipients from Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College generally make around $28,530. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 73%.

8

Loyola University New Orleans
New Orleans, LA

Loyola University New Orleans placed #8 among the best values for music. Located in the city of New Orleans, Loyola University New Orleans is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,440. Typical student debt for music graduates is $26,899. Music graduates of Loyola University New Orleans earn a median of $48,040 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,899 median debt. Loyola University New Orleans admits about 93% of applicants.

9

Tulane University Of Louisiana
New Orleans, LA

Tulane University Of Louisiana placed #9 among the best values for music. Located in the city of New Orleans, Tulane University Of Louisiana is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,678. Music graduates carry a median of $22,077 in student loans. Soon after graduation, music degree recipients from Tulane University Of Louisiana generally make around $54,082. Set against $22,077 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 14% of applicants are accepted.