2026 Best Value Music Theory & Composition Schools in Washington

1

University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA

For return on investment in music theory & composition, no school beat University Of Washington Seattle Campus this year. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Seattle. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Students borrow a median of $16,481 to complete the music theory & composition program here. Music Theory & Composition graduates of University Of Washington Seattle Campus earn a median of $65,681 early in their careers. Set against $16,481 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants.

2

Washington State University
Pullman, WA

A rank of #2 makes Washington State University one of the best values for music theory & composition. Set in the town of Pullman, Washington State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,391, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Typical student debt for music theory & composition graduates is $24,503. Music Theory & Composition graduates of Washington State University earn a median of $54,697 early in their careers. Set against $24,503 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.

3

Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA

Central Washington University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value music theory & composition schools. Located in the town of Ellensburg, Central Washington University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,417 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,526. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the music theory & composition program here. Soon after graduation, music theory & composition degree recipients from Central Washington University generally make around $48,556. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Central Washington University admits about 91% of applicants.

4

Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA

Students looking for strong value in music theory & composition will find it at Western Washington University, which ranked #4. Western Washington University is a large public school located in the city of Bellingham. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,582, while out-of-state students pay about $28,707. Typical student debt for music theory & composition graduates is $20,055. Soon after graduation, music theory & composition degree recipients from Western Washington University generally make around $15,834. Set against $20,055 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Washington University admits about 93% of applicants.

5

University Of Puget Sound
Tacoma, WA

University Of Puget Sound is a great value for students pursuing a degree in music theory & composition, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Tacoma, University Of Puget Sound is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,898. Typical student debt for music theory & composition graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, music theory & composition degree recipients from University Of Puget Sound generally make around $34,408. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%.