The most affordable online colleges for music degrees provide a flexible way to study music theory, history, performance, and digital production. Online platforms connect you with experienced faculty, virtual ensembles, and diverse musical resources. These bachelor's programs allow you to balance personal commitments while gaining essential skills for careers in performance, education, or music production.
Key Takeaways:
- Dickinson State University is the #1 cheapest music bachelor's degree, with annual tuition at $7,470.
- Berklee College of Music excels with the best student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1.
- The University of Maryland Global Campus, positioned 9th for affordability, leads with the top online enrollment, hosting 41,446 students, placing it in the top 1% of schools for online enrollment.
To feature the most affordable online degrees, we manually verify tuition rates. Each school we list is institutionally accredited and offers fully online programs with clear, upfront costs. Read our for insights into our process.
2025 Most Affordable Online Degrees in Music
| Rank | School | Location | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dickinson State University | Dickinson (ND) | $7,470 | |
| Thomas Edison State University | Trenton (NJ) | $8,856 | |
| Valley City State University | Valley City (ND) | $11,583 | |
| University of Maine at Augusta | Augusta (ME) | $11,700 | |
| Liberty University | Lynchburg (VA) | $11,700 | |
| Oregon State University | Corvallis (OR) | $11,760 | |
| Virginia Wesleyan University | Norfolk (VA) | $12,840 | |
| LA Film School | Los Angeles (CA) | $14,250 | |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Adelphi (MD) | $14,970 | |
| Berklee College of Music | Boston (MA) | $15,450 | |
| Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design | Lakewood (CO) | $22,200 | |
| Academy of Art University | San Francisco (CA) | $35,112 |
Student Reviews of Online Music Programs
After putting in the work to obtain my Bachelor's I gave up my social life to get my act together and really put in the time to achieve my degree. It wasn't easy but the experience and networking between fellow students helped me to get a different perspective of the degree program. I used this knowledge of the music business to get opportunities working in school districts teaching music history and also putting bands together and how to manage them. It was a great experience for me and if you get... Read More
Review Date: 1/6/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
My undergraduate studies at the University of North Texas at Denton not only were enjoyable, but also very motivational. I could not help but reminisce the past semesters and how remarkable they were. Being a Music Major, I studied at the College of Music at UNT. The campus was gorgeous, there was always an event scheduled everyday for your entertainment. The concerts were held at Voertman Hall and the glorious Murchison Performing Arts Center. Not only the classes were great, but the Professors... Read More
Review Date: 3/6/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Performance heavy based arts education! I had lots of opportunities to do full roles as an undergraduate student. The campus is easily accessible and the School of Music building is beautiful. My private teacher was Mildred Miller who is unfortunately now retired, but the currently vocal staff has a lot of wonderful teachers.
Review Date: 9/16/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
My experience at Bob Jones University was great! The school was a wonderful place to grow and learn. The academics were excellent, particularly the English department. Although I was a music major, the academic load outside of the arts probably helped to prepare me for life in general.
Review Date: 6/27/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Being a music performance major isn't for wimps! But if you really want it, pursuing it at The Hartt School is a great experience. The classroom instruction has been tough (think music theory, ear training and music history) but the instructors were caring and if you care enough to approach them for extra help, they will go out of their way to ensure you get it. There are numerous opportunities to join performance groups (chamber music, orchestra, baroque ensemble, musical theater pit). The friends... Read More
Review Date: 3/29/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The Kennesaw State University School of Music is a wonderful place to study music. Not only are the professors 100% invested in your sucess, but are also some of the best performers in the United States and abroad. The student body is also caring and are willing to help you, should you need any assistance. The facilities used, such as the practice rooms are state of the art and are soundproof and the school is an all Steinway and Sons school, and is recgonised by the national associations of schools... Read More
Review Date: 11/1/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Vanderbilt is the reason I am who I am today. With its plentiful resources, wonderful instruction, and generous faculty, I have grown considerably as a student, professional, and human being. I must be upfront about the difficulty. By no means is Vanderbilt an "Easy A" institution. However, students are pushed for good reason. Vanderbilt is a source of world class professionals in all disciplines. More importantly, Vanderbilt produces thinkers. By being exposed to new ideas, concepts, theories, and... Read More
Review Date: 12/28/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
UC Santa Cruz is a beautiful oasis of redwood trees and trails within the beach town of Santa Cruz. This campus is truly unique, and there are many microcosms of communities within the 17,000+ students here. This being said, Santa Cruz is a small town, and the university does not make proper accommodations for the ever growing population of students accepted each year. The housing market in Santa Cruz is extremely competitive and toxic for students, many of which are first-time renters. The school... Read More
Review Date: 3/31/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The level of academic rigor mixed with supportive faculty and staff is one of Wheaton College's best qualities as an institution. My professors challenged me to learn for the sake of learning rather than simply getting good grades or passing the class. The faculty is very engaging and excited to work with students at a one on one level. The personal instruction and guidance was invaluable for me as I grew as a musician, as an academic, and as a person. I highly recommend Wheaton College for students... Read More
Review Date: 3/25/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Bethune-Cookman University molded me into the woman that I am today. The experience there is like no other institution. I am extremely proud to be a Wildcat. Every school has their trials and tribulations. However, the fighting power of Bethune-Cookman, instilled by our Founder, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, holds strong within the schools community. The music department truly has gems as professors. I am truly thankful to be a product of the talented individuals that teach there. I am thankful for the... Read More
Review Date: 5/17/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh are nothing short of excellent. With professors coming with various backgrounds, one gets the full spectrum of growth in the arts here. Along with knowledge, there is a profound caring that is evident in the professors dealing with students, I am glad to have been enriched by this institution.
Review Date: 3/5/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
My perspective off the University of New Hampshire is unique. I was not originally accepted to the institution and had to spend time at a comparable university for a semester to receive admission in the following spring. I feel that this has allowed me to not take my education for granted and look at it in a very honest light. I enrolled at the University studying Music Performance and found that I was able to study with some of the most exceptional music faculty in New England. The program, however,... Read More
Review Date: 3/22/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Music program was and still is developing. Some major classes weren't required, or rather unnecessary to take. They also changed the curriculum for juniors and seniors when those changes should have only applied to freshmen and sophomores. So they were money hungry. Education concentration eventually.
Review Date: 12/27/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I knew I wanted to continue my music studies entering college. However, I had a hard time figuring out what I wanted to do within music. Luckily my advisor helped me explore different career options while earning my Bachelor of Science in Music. I grew to enjoy working in events and operations for artistic events. The music faculty allowed me to also learn how to manage a music ensemble during my undergraduate studies. Now, I know I'd like to work as a concert planner for a non-profit organization,... Read More
Review Date: 1/11/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
If you're looking for a big university with many resources, a wide variety of general education courses, strong connections to the professional community, and scholarship support, then UCLA fulfills that criteria well! UCLA is a school suited for a student who doesn't require constant one-on-one guidance and attention, but is able to seek the right mentors and find opportunities for themselves. UCLA's Ethnomusicology department is unique in that it has the Ethnomusicology Archives and has many leading... Read More
Review Date: 2/24/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Pros: I liked the fact that it is in a small town that allows you to travel with ease. Everyone is generally nice as well as the people in the town. Cons: I wish there was more diversity and integration between the races on campus. It seemed a little segregated.
Review Date: 6/18/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
UMKC offers students education with bright faculty. Unfortunately, the conservatory is in a stage of transition to a new campus and experiencing financial difficulties which has not been without effects on faculty/student morale and quality of facilities. All-in-all, I feel that I am moving on well trained.
Review Date: 3/5/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
St. Norbert College is the place to be. Soon as you step onto campus you are immediately taken aback. SNC has so much to do on campus and the beauty of the campus on the Fox River is breath taking. The professors at St. Norbert College want you to succeed and they will take the time for you any day at any time to help you reach your best potential.
Review Date: 2/24/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
New England Conservatory has been an exceptional school to pursue a degree in vocal performance and prepare me for a career. The faculty and school are highly regarded, not only in Boston, but throughout the world. The quality of education as well as personal connection you receive during your education at NEC are invaluable.
Review Date: 3/23/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I had many wonderful opportunities to learn and grow at the University of Idaho. I was surrounded by great faculty who took time to meet with me and help me learn and who were willing to answer my questions. I studied Piano Performance and feel that I was prepared to apply and be accepted to graduate programs. I will be attending graduate school at Roosevelt University in the Fall of 2017 and hope to use this scholarship towards furthering my education. At the University of Idaho, I was taught not... Read More
Review Date: 6/19/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes