2026 Best Value Music Schools in Indiana

1

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN

For return on investment in music, no school beat Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis this year. Set in the city of Indianapolis, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,762 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $34,891. Students borrow a median of $23,146 to complete the music program here. Music graduates of Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis earn a median of $56,930 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis admits about 76% of applicants.

2

Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, IN

Students looking for strong value in music will find it at Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Fort Wayne, Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,532 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,887. Students borrow a median of $24,119 to complete the music program here. Early-career music graduates make about $49,424. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%.

3

Indiana University Bloomington
Bloomington, IN

Indiana University Bloomington came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value music schools. Located in the city of Bloomington, Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,144, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for music graduates is $20,769. Early-career music graduates make about $28,328. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Bloomington admits about 78% of applicants.

4

Ball State University
Muncie, IN

Ball State University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value music schools. Set in the city of Muncie, Ball State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,082, while out-of-state students pay about $29,630. Students borrow a median of $24,518 to complete the music program here. Soon after graduation, music degree recipients from Ball State University generally make around $47,863. Set against $24,518 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ball State University admits about 86% of applicants.

5

Depauw University
Greencastle, IN

Depauw University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in music, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the town of Greencastle, Depauw University is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $59,070 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the music program here. Music graduates of Depauw University earn a median of $46,127 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 57%.

6

Butler University
Indianapolis, IN

Butler University landed the #6 spot for music value this year. Butler University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Indianapolis. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $47,560. Music graduates carry a median of $24,170 in student loans. Soon after graduation, music degree recipients from Butler University generally make around $68,222. Set against $24,170 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Butler University admits about 85% of applicants.