2026 Best Value Musicology & Ethnomusicology Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor tops our 2026 list of the best value musicology & ethnomusicology schools in the Great Lakes Region. Set in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,848, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. Typical student debt for musicology & ethnomusicology graduates is $19,397. Musicology & Ethnomusicology graduates of University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earn a median of $66,254 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

Students looking for strong value in musicology & ethnomusicology will find it at University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign, which ranked #2. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public school located in the city of Champaign. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Musicology & Ethnomusicology graduates carry a median of $24,625 in student loans. Early-career musicology & ethnomusicology graduates make about $25,536. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.

3

Indiana University Bloomington
Bloomington, IN

Students looking for strong value in musicology & ethnomusicology will find it at Indiana University Bloomington, which ranked #3. Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public school located in the city of Bloomington. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,144, while out-of-state students pay about $41,891. Typical student debt for musicology & ethnomusicology graduates is $20,769. Soon after graduation, musicology & ethnomusicology degree recipients from Indiana University Bloomington generally make around $28,328. Set against $20,769 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%.

4

Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in musicology & ethnomusicology, landing the #4 spot this year. Michigan State University is a very large public school located in the city of East Lansing. In-state tuition and fees average $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Musicology & Ethnomusicology graduates carry a median of $26,750 in student loans. Early-career musicology & ethnomusicology graduates make about $40,570. That is a strong return on a $26,750 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.

5

Bowling Green State University Main Campus
Bowling Green, OH

Bowling Green State University Main Campus came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value musicology & ethnomusicology schools. Located in the town of Bowling Green, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $13,912 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,900. Typical student debt for musicology & ethnomusicology graduates is $27,000. Musicology & Ethnomusicology graduates of Bowling Green State University Main Campus earn a median of $45,196 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%.

6

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Cincinnati, OH

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus came in at #6 for value in musicology & ethnomusicology this year. Set in the city of Cincinnati, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,363, compared with $28,697 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,946 to complete the musicology & ethnomusicology program here. Musicology & Ethnomusicology graduates of University Of Cincinnati Main Campus earn a median of $22,533 early in their careers. Set against $23,946 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.

7

Northwestern University
Evanston, IL

Northwestern University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value musicology & ethnomusicology schools. Set in the city of Evanston, Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,322. Typical student debt for musicology & ethnomusicology graduates is $18,166. Musicology & Ethnomusicology graduates of Northwestern University earn a median of $28,057 early in their careers. Set against $18,166 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northwestern University admits about 8% of applicants.

8

Butler University
Indianapolis, IN

Butler University earned the #8 position for value in musicology & ethnomusicology this year. Butler University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Indianapolis. In-state tuition and fees average $47,560. Typical student debt for musicology & ethnomusicology graduates is $24,170. Soon after graduation, musicology & ethnomusicology degree recipients from Butler University generally make around $68,222. Set against $24,170 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.