2026 Best Value Music Schools in Wisconsin

1

University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point
Stevens Point, WI

University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point earned the #1 spot for value among music schools in Wisconsin. Set in the town of Stevens Point, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,228, compared with $18,248 for out-of-state students. Music graduates carry a median of $24,850 in student loans. Music graduates of University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point earn a median of $41,256 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,850 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%.

2

University Of Wisconsin Platteville
Platteville, WI

University Of Wisconsin Platteville is a great value for students pursuing a degree in music, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the town of Platteville, University Of Wisconsin Platteville is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $8,644 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,603 for out-of-state students. Music graduates carry a median of $23,677 in student loans. Soon after graduation, music degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Platteville generally make around $56,998. That is a strong return on a $23,677 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%.

3

University Of Wisconsin Whitewater
Whitewater, WI

University Of Wisconsin Whitewater came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value music schools. Located in the town of Whitewater, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,616, with out-of-state students paying around $18,716. Music graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, music degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Whitewater generally make around $31,134. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.

4

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee earned it the #4 place for music. Located in the city of Milwaukee, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,398, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. Music graduates carry a median of $25,750 in student loans. Soon after graduation, music degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee generally make around $27,478. That is a strong return on a $25,750 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

5

University Of Wisconsin Madison
Madison, WI

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Wisconsin Madison earned it the #5 place for music. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public school located in the city of Madison. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Music graduates carry a median of $21,813 in student loans. Early-career music graduates make about $31,552. Set against $21,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 45%.

6

University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Eau Claire, WI

University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire placed #6 among the best values for music. Located in the city of Eau Claire, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,642, compared with $19,228 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,637 to complete the music program here. Early-career music graduates make about $43,764. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

7

Lawrence University
Appleton, WI

Lawrence University landed the #7 spot for music value this year. Set in the city of Appleton, Lawrence University is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $56,982. Music graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,789. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 64%.

8

Carthage College
Kenosha, WI

Carthage College landed the #8 spot for music value this year. Carthage College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Kenosha. Students from in state pay about $38,750 in tuition and fees. Music graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, music degree recipients from Carthage College generally make around $24,273. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.