Best Music Schools in Washington

Washington has 10 colleges offering Music programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 126 recent graduates. Graduates in Washington earn $24,214 on average within two years — 10% below the national average of $26,832. Lower cost of living or industry mix may explain the gap.

School choice matters significantly: Washington State University graduates earn $34,711 while Western Washington University graduates earn $18,185 — a $16,526 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in WA

$24,214

WA Avg. Earnings

$26,832

National Avg.

286

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Music in Washington

Public Schools (4)

$25,130

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (6)

$23,604

avg. 2yr earnings

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

Music Schools in Washington, Ranked by Earnings

Washington State University

Pullman, WA · Public

$34,711

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $30,809

Graduates: 19

Acceptance: 85.4%

Northwest University

Kirkland, WA · Private

$29,685

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 88.0%

Central Washington University

Ellensburg, WA · Public

$25,658

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $31,645

Graduates: 28

Acceptance: 90.2%

Seattle Pacific University

Seattle, WA · Private

$25,194

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $30,696

Graduates: 19

Acceptance: 91.1%

Pacific Lutheran University

Tacoma, WA · Private

$24,035

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $29,749

Graduates: 19

Acceptance: 80.5%

Cornish College of the Arts

Seattle, WA · Private

$23,340

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 70.5%

Eastern Washington University

Cheney, WA · Public

$21,964

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 91.8%

University of Puget Sound

Tacoma, WA · Private

$20,140

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $29,692

Graduates: 19

Acceptance: 76.3%

Whitworth University

Spokane, WA · Private

Western Washington University

Bellingham, WA · Public

$18,185

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $21,568

Graduates: 22

Acceptance: 91.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Music in Washington?

Washington State University ranks #1 for Music in Washington with median graduate earnings of $34,711 within two years of graduation. There are 10 schools offering Music programs in the state.

How much do Music graduates earn in Washington?

Music graduates in Washington earn an average of $24,214 within two years of graduation. This is 10% below the national average of $26,832 for this major.

What is the hardest Music school to get into in Washington?

Cornish College of the Arts is the most selective Music program in Washington with an acceptance rate of 70.5%. The average acceptance rate across Music programs in the state is 85.2%.

Should I attend a public or private school for Music in Washington?

In Washington, private Music programs produce average earnings of $23,604 vs $25,130 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 4 public and 6 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Washington

Computer Engineering $105,236 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $92,872 Computer Science $72,683 Construction Management $70,430 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $69,987 Computer and Information Sciences, General $66,995 Human Computer Interaction $64,740 Civil Engineering $63,155

All colleges in Washington →

Music in Other States

Texas California New York Illinois Pennsylvania Tennessee Ohio Wisconsin Connecticut New Jersey Indiana Massachusetts View All →

Get Music Career Insights

We're building major-specific salary reports with ROI analysis by school. Be the first to get yours.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

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