Most affordable music colleges?

Hi y'all, I'm really interested in studying music in college and I'd love some thoughts on the most affordable ones. I could do with both public and private school recommendations. Thanks!

Hello there! First off, public colleges tend to be more affordable for in-state students due to subsidized tuition costs. For public institutions with strong music programs, consider institutions like the University of North Texas College of Music. It's known for producing Grammy-winning alumni and has a very wide range of music disciplines for students to study. Also, the schools in the University of California public system, like UC Berkeley and UCLA, are well-regarded for their music programs.

Florida State University, Indiana University - Bloomington, and the University of Michigan also have highly-ranked music programs, though costs would vary based on your in-state or out-of-state status.

For affordable private colleges, there's the Ithaca College School of Music in New York, which offers significant financial aid packages. Similarly, the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Ohio is notable; while its sticker price might seem high, need-based aid can significantly reduce costs.

Last but certainly not least, don't forget to look into scholarships, both merit-based and need-based, offered by schools you're interested in, as they can make a major difference in affordability. Some schools offer music-specific scholarships that you could apply for. Also keep in mind the potential for external music scholarships!

Always be sure to use each college's Net Price Calculator to get an estimate of your personal cost of attendance, as individual financial circumstances can significantly impact the final cost. Best of luck in your search!