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2027 Best Value Music Education Schools in South Dakota

6 Colleges in the United States
$27,178 Avg Student Debt
$51,590 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2027 Best Value Music Education Badge [Music Education](/majors/education/teacher-education-and-development/music-education/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 6 schools to find the best return on investment for music education students.

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2027 Best Value Music Education Schools in South Dakota

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in music education, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Music Education Schools

1

For return on investment in music education, no school beat Northern State University this year. Located in the town of Aberdeen, Northern State University is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,845, compared with $11,947 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for music education graduates is $26,143. Soon after graduation, music education degree recipients from Northern State University generally make around $45,824. Set against $26,143 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.

2

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Black Hills State University earned it the #2 place for music education. Black Hills State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Spearfish. In-state tuition and fees average $8,916, while out-of-state students pay about $12,018. Music Education graduates carry a median of $26,820 in student loans. Music Education graduates of Black Hills State University earn a median of $47,494 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Black Hills State University admits about 96% of applicants.

3

Dakota Wesleyan University came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value music education schools. Dakota Wesleyan University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Mitchell. In-state tuition and fees average $33,790. Typical student debt for music education graduates is $31,000. Music Education graduates of Dakota Wesleyan University earn a median of $71,856 early in their careers. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted.

4

South Dakota State University came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value music education schools. Set in the town of Brookings, South Dakota State University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,299, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for music education graduates is $26,000. Music Education graduates of South Dakota State University earn a median of $45,625 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.

5

University Of South Dakota is a great value for students pursuing a degree in music education, landing the #5 spot this year. University Of South Dakota is a large public school located in the town of Vermillion. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,432, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the music education program here. Music Education graduates of University Of South Dakota earn a median of $42,772 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.

6

University Of Sioux Falls earned the #6 position for value in music education this year. Located in the city of Sioux Falls, University Of Sioux Falls is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $21,750. Music Education graduates carry a median of $26,103 in student loans. Early-career music education graduates make about $39,899. That is a strong return on a $26,103 median debt. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted.

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Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 6 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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