2026 Best Value Musicology & Ethnomusicology Schools in the Far Western Region

1

University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA

For return on investment in musicology & ethnomusicology, 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. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Students borrow a median of $16,481 to complete the musicology & ethnomusicology program here. Early-career musicology & ethnomusicology graduates make about $65,681. Set against $16,481 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 39%.

2

Portland State University
Portland, OR

Portland State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in musicology & ethnomusicology, landing the #2 spot this year. Portland State University is a very large public school located in the city of Portland. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,118, compared with $29,136 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,846 to complete the musicology & ethnomusicology program here. Musicology & Ethnomusicology graduates of Portland State University earn a median of $47,717 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

Students looking for strong value in musicology & ethnomusicology will find it at University Of California Los Angeles, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Musicology & Ethnomusicology graduates carry a median of $23,119 in student loans. Early-career musicology & ethnomusicology graduates make about $18,823. Set against $23,119 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 9%.

4

University Of California Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA

University Of California Santa Cruz is a great value for students pursuing a degree in musicology & ethnomusicology, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Santa Cruz, University Of California Santa Cruz is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,035 in tuition and fees, compared with $46,923 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for musicology & ethnomusicology graduates is $18,559. Early-career musicology & ethnomusicology graduates make about $40,920. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Santa Cruz admits about 66% of applicants.

5

University Of Oregon
Eugene, OR

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Oregon earned it the #5 place for musicology & ethnomusicology. Located in the city of Eugene, University Of Oregon is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,320 in tuition and fees, compared with $42,516 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for musicology & ethnomusicology graduates is $20,583. Soon after graduation, musicology & ethnomusicology degree recipients from University Of Oregon generally make around $20,707. That is a strong return on a $20,583 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.

6

University Of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA

University Of Southern California placed #6 among the best values for musicology & ethnomusicology. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,647. Students borrow a median of $20,976 to complete the musicology & ethnomusicology program here. Soon after graduation, musicology & ethnomusicology degree recipients from University Of Southern California generally make around $23,244. Set against $20,976 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 10% of applicants are accepted.

7

California Institute Of The Arts
Valencia, CA

California Institute Of The Arts came in at #7 for value in musicology & ethnomusicology this year. Located in the suburb of Valencia, California Institute Of The Arts is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $58,996 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for musicology & ethnomusicology graduates is $23,125. Early-career musicology & ethnomusicology graduates make about $18,373. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 32% of applicants are accepted.