2026 Best Value Music Education Schools in North Carolina

1

University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
Greensboro, NC

University Of North Carolina At Greensboro tops our 2026 list of the best value music education schools in North Carolina. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a large public school located in the city of Greensboro. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,661, compared with $24,012 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the music education program here. Soon after graduation, music education degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Greensboro generally make around $43,033. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of North Carolina At Pembroke
Pembroke, NC

University Of North Carolina At Pembroke came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value music education schools. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Pembroke. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,648, compared with $7,648 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for music education graduates is $26,660. Early-career music education graduates make about $45,285. That is a strong return on a $26,660 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.

3

Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC

Students looking for strong value in music education will find it at Western Carolina University, which ranked #3. Set in the town of Cullowhee, Western Carolina University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,630, with out-of-state students paying around $8,630. Students borrow a median of $25,500 to complete the music education program here. Early-career music education graduates make about $41,444. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%.

4

University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
Charlotte, NC

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of North Carolina At Charlotte earned it the #4 place for music education. Located in the city of Charlotte, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $7,239 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,492. Typical student debt for music education graduates is $24,673. Music Education graduates of University Of North Carolina At Charlotte earn a median of $51,799 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte admits about 80% of applicants.

5

Appalachian State University
Boone, NC

A rank of #5 makes Appalachian State University one of the best values for music education. Located in the town of Boone, Appalachian State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,579, with out-of-state students paying around $25,212. Students borrow a median of $21,614 to complete the music education program here. Soon after graduation, music education degree recipients from Appalachian State University generally make around $44,026. Set against $21,614 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

6

East Carolina University
Greenville, NC

East Carolina University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value music education schools. Set in the city of Greenville, East Carolina University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,361, with out-of-state students paying around $23,638. Music Education graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, music education degree recipients from East Carolina University generally make around $48,318. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%.

7

Mount Olive College
Mount Olive, NC

Mount Olive College placed #7 among the best values for music education. Mount Olive College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Mount Olive. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $27,366. Students borrow a median of $26,889 to complete the music education program here. Early-career music education graduates make about $45,316. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.

8

Campbell University
Buies Creek, NC

Campbell University landed the #8 spot for music education value this year. Located in the town of Buies Creek, Campbell University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $41,600. Students borrow a median of $23,641 to complete the music education program here. Soon after graduation, music education degree recipients from Campbell University generally make around $54,629. Set against $23,641 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Campbell University admits about 87% of applicants.