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Best Music Schools in Illinois

Illinois has 14 colleges offering Music programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 405 recent graduates. Graduates in Illinois earn $24,610 on average within two years — 8% below the national average of $26,832. Lower cost of living or industry mix may explain the gap.

School choice matters significantly: Eastern Illinois University graduates earn $36,668 while Roosevelt University graduates earn $16,786 — a $19,882 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

14
Schools in IL
$24,610
IL Avg. Earnings
$26,832
National Avg.
286
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Music in Illinois

Public Schools (5)
$30,115
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (9)
$21,552
avg. 2yr earnings

Public schools in Illinois produce comparable or higher early earnings for Music graduates, often at lower cost — making them strong value options.

Music Schools in Illinois, Ranked by Earnings

#1
E

Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, IL · Public

$36,668
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $34,254
Graduates: 26
Acceptance: 67.8%
#2
W

Western Illinois University

Macomb, IL · Public

$34,230
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $35,994
Graduates: 38
Acceptance: 75.0%
#3
I

Illinois State University

Normal, IL · Public

$31,133
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $27,765
Graduates: 21
Acceptance: 89.0%
#4
I

Illinois Wesleyan University

Bloomington, IL · Private

$27,439
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 45.2%
#5
N

North Central College

Naperville, IL · Private

$26,739
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $31,555
Graduates: 16
Acceptance: 58.3%
#6
N

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL · Public

$25,194
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $34,406
Graduates: 19
Acceptance: 70.5%
#7
E

Elmhurst University

Elmhurst, IL · Private

$24,421
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 75.7%
#8
S

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Carbondale, IL · Public

$23,351
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 90.4%
#9
W

Wheaton College

Wheaton, IL · Private

$20,921
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $28,924
Graduates: 29
Acceptance: 90.0%
#10
D

DePaul University

Chicago, IL · Private

$20,140
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $19,662
Graduates: 38
Acceptance: 73.5%
#11
N

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL · Private

$20,140
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $38,199
Graduates: 51
Acceptance: 7.1%
#12
C

Columbia College Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

$19,944
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $18,502
Graduates: 102
Acceptance: 91.2%
#13
M

Millikin University

Decatur, IL · Private

$17,437
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $26,043
Graduates: 38
Acceptance: 54.0%
#14
R

Roosevelt University

Chicago, IL · Private

$16,786
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $23,445
Graduates: 27
Acceptance: 94.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Music in Illinois?
Eastern Illinois University ranks #1 for Music in Illinois with median graduate earnings of $36,668 within two years of graduation. There are 14 schools offering Music programs in the state.
How much do Music graduates earn in Illinois?
Music graduates in Illinois earn an average of $24,610 within two years of graduation. This is 8% below the national average of $26,832 for this major.
What is the hardest Music school to get into in Illinois?
Northwestern University is the most selective Music program in Illinois with an acceptance rate of 7.1%. The average acceptance rate across Music programs in the state is 70.1%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Music in Illinois?
In Illinois, private Music programs produce average earnings of $21,552 vs $30,115 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 5 public and 9 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Illinois

Mathematics and Computer Science $76,967 Chemical Engineering $69,173 Industrial Engineering $69,102 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $68,897 Engineering, General $67,238 Computer Science $66,656 Computer Engineering $65,978 Materials Engineering $64,773
All colleges in Illinois →

Music in Other States

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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.