2026 Best Value General Music Schools in Virginia

1

Tidewater Community College
Norfolk, VA

Our analysis ranked Tidewater Community College the best value for a degree in general music in Virginia. Located in the city of Norfolk, Tidewater Community College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,858, with out-of-state students paying around $12,296. General Music graduates carry a median of $14,001 in student loans. General Music graduates of Tidewater Community College earn a median of $35,627 early in their careers. Set against $14,001 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

George Mason University
Fairfax, VA

A rank of #2 makes George Mason University one of the best values for general music. Set in the suburb of Fairfax, George Mason University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,220 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,688 for out-of-state students. General Music graduates carry a median of $24,048 in student loans. General Music graduates of George Mason University earn a median of $34,841 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,048 median debt. George Mason University admits about 88% of applicants.

3

Radford University
Radford, VA

Radford University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general music, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the town of Radford, Radford University is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,548, compared with $25,633 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the general music program here. General Music graduates of Radford University earn a median of $39,593 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%.

4

Norfolk State University
Norfolk, VA

Norfolk State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general music, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Norfolk, Norfolk State University is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,180, while out-of-state students pay about $21,682. Soon after graduation, general music degree recipients from Norfolk State University generally make around $54,971. The acceptance rate is 88%.

5

University Of Virginia Main Campus
Charlottesville, VA

A rank of #5 makes University Of Virginia Main Campus one of the best values for general music. Set in the suburb of Charlottesville, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,118, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. General Music graduates carry a median of $18,131 in student loans. Early-career general music graduates make about $69,126. Set against $18,131 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 17% of applicants are accepted.

6

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Blacksburg, VA

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value general music schools. Located in the city of Blacksburg, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the general music program here. Early-career general music graduates make about $60,004. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.

7

Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA

Liberty University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value general music schools. Liberty University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Lynchburg. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. Typical student debt for general music graduates is $27,000. Early-career general music graduates make about $33,956. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Liberty University admits about 99% of applicants.

8

Shenandoah University
Winchester, VA

Shenandoah University landed the #8 spot for general music value this year. Located in the city of Winchester, Shenandoah University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,950. Students borrow a median of $25,500 to complete the general music program here. General Music graduates of Shenandoah University earn a median of $62,948 early in their careers. Set against $25,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.