Most Affordable Online Master’s of Music Education Programs 2025

Badge for CHEAPEST ONLINE MASTER'S IN MUSIC EDUCATION

Published: May 24, 2023
Updated: Oct 8, 2024

Which are the most affordable online master’s in music education in the US? We help you find the best master’s degree program at a price you can afford.

Key Takeaways

It is possible for music educators to earn a fully online master in a music education program that does not require students to attend classes on campus.
There are many top-ranked online master’s in music education programs that offer affordable tuition rates.
The most affordable online master’s in music education programs can be made even more affordable through scholarships, financial aid, and employer tuition reimbursement programs.

Table of Contents

Most Affordable Online Master's in Music Education Degree Programs in 2025

Ohio University
+1
University of South Florida
–1
Florida International University
Bowling Green State University
Illinois State University
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
+1
East Carolina University
–1
University of Northern Colorado
+1
University of Southern Mississippi
–1
University of West Georgia

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the most affordable online master’s of music education programs saw slight changes. Ohio University was able to rise to the top position as the university expanded its digital learning platform, incorporating interactive tools for virtual collaboration, enabling students to work on group projects and engage in real-time music teaching simulations.

Additionally, new specialized courses in music technology and online pedagogy have been added, preparing students to integrate digital tools into their music classrooms. Ohio University has also strengthened its partnerships with local schools and music organizations, offering more opportunities for online students to participate in virtual internships and mentorships with experienced music educators. These updates provide a dynamic and flexible learning experience for online music education students.

Most Affordable Music Education Master’s Programs

Average Total Cost (In-state): $14,000

Least Expensive Affordable Online College in Our Ranking: University of North Carolina at Greensboro $3,206

Most Expensive Affordable Online College in Our Ranking: Illinois State University $15,483

There are a number of top-ranked music education programs at the master’s level online. In this ranking, we have included the ten best online master’s in music education that also offer the most affordable tuition rates.

Career Outlook for Students with Music Degree

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Music

Degree Level: Master's

Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
Avg. Cost of Degree*: $12,000
Avg. Expenses*: $18,402
Avg. Starting Salary*: $33,220
Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $38,368
Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 9 years
Job Growth: -0.27%
Number of Jobs: 1,240,700
* denotes ‘annually’
** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

Career	Job Growth	Avg. Salary
Musicians and Singers	2.07%	No data
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary	2.75%	$80,360
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education	-0.64%	$65,220
Music Directors and Composers	2.58%	$62,590

Top Industries

Industry	Avg. Salary
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary	$80,360
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education	$65,220
Music Directors and Composers	$62,590

Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

Music is a universal language. It crosses decades and cultural barriers, bringing people together and fostering a unique connection. Dancing to music lifts our spirits, improves our attitude, and dispels our concerns.

For this reason, you’ll encounter music educators who are members of the Music Teachers National Association, as well as music therapy and music technology professionals from various backgrounds, professions, and cultures.

Online master in music education degrees do more than just give you access to higher pay! Many professionals pursue a Master’s in music program to learn the best methods for engaging their students with their love for music.

If you intend to turn your passion for music into a financially viable career, one of the best ways to advance your career is by enrolling in a master’s in music education program. Here is a list of the most affordable music education master’s degree programs online.

Licensure and Certification for Online Music Education Majors

To become a music teacher, you must obtain a professional license to prove your knowledge and skills as a music instructor. Other credentials enable music educators to apply for more senior positions or receive higher pay. Here are two of the most well-known credentials for experts in music instruction.

Music Teachers National Association Certification

The MTNA provides accreditation credentials for teaching performance in piano, violin, flute, and voice to music teachers nationwide. K–12 certification candidates must complete five projects relevant to their teaching environment, teaching practice, studio ethics, and teaching philosophy.

K-12 Music Educator Certification

To teach music in public K–12 schools, all US states require teachers to be certified by their respective states. States have different standards for certification, but all teachers must have an undergraduate degree or above. Although some states demand particular qualifications to teach vocal or instrumental music, many offer a broad K–12 music education degree.

Teacher Licensure and Reciprocity

Accreditation & Licensing Note: You may need to take additional exams for teacher licensure or even additional courses to work in another state if you did not attend school there.

At the least, you must submit an application for reciprocity, which is the process by which one state formally recognizes training and/or teaching experience from another state.

Reciprocity is not always comprehensive and automatic; thus, even in jurisdictions that do reciprocate, music education professionals may occasionally need to pass a comprehensive exam or satisfy different criteria to become qualified music professors. It is advised that prospective music instructors familiarize themselves with the exact eligibility requirements on the websites of individual states’ education departments before submitting their applications.

The California credential is very demanding. In most states, it is acceptable. However, some states have a very competitive culture, meaning that you should be aware of what the expectations and requirements are for the state you wish to teach in.

Others may have more openings for exceptional musicians who can teach across school levels or specializations. Some may expect one to specialize. To learn more about a state’s musical culture, it’s crucial to contact its education department and conduct extensive online research.

Learn more about the Teaching License Reciprocity Guidelines by State.

What can graduates do with an online master’s in music education studies degree?

While a bachelor’s degree qualifies undergraduates to help break into the music industry, musicians and music educators may have more professional flexibility if they get a master’s degree in music education. Graduate programs are excellent options for working professionals in the music industry who want to teach music or enhance their musical skills.

K-12 Music Teachers

An online music master’s degree gives teachers the musical knowledge and abilities to be more effective in their classrooms. Furthermore, a master’s in music education may satisfy state-mandated degree requirements for music teachers in a K–12 public school.

Average Annual Salary: $54,006

Music Director/Composer

Becoming a music director/composer is a popular non-teaching career path for music education graduates. It is highly beneficial for directors and composers to develop their teaching and personal creativity through a program that blends music and music education.

Average Annual Salary: $49,130

Music Teachers in Private Settings

An advanced degree in music education aids private music teachers in marketing their services and setting themselves apart from the competition. The possibility of student retention is increased by programs emphasizing diversity and technology. These programs train instructors to guide students from different backgrounds and to apply cutting-edge technology to their teaching methods.

Average Annual Salary: $57,388

Postsecondary Music Teachers

Depending on the state, a master’s degree in music education can certify teachers to work at the college or university level, much like it does for K–12 employment. A master’s degree can prepare teachers to work as researchers or on department committees.

A master’s degree is an excellent educator preparation program that advances research skills and scholarly writing.

Average Annual Salary: $93,440

There are a number of career options for graduates of an online master’s in music degree program. Find out what else you can do with a music degree.

Short Guide: How To Make Affordable Online Colleges in Music Education Cheaper

#1: Apply for Scholarships

Scholarships are one of the best ways to reduce educational costs without requiring payments. Here are some popular scholarships for music education majors.

Against the Grain Artistic Scholarships

This award is available to Asian or Pacific Islander students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate music or art programs through Against the Grain Productions.

Amount: $1,000

Robert Hawkins Memorial Scholarship

Students seeking a degree in instrumental/band music education and planning to work as band directors after graduation are eligible for this John Philip Sousa Foundation scholarship.

Amount: $2,000

Great Value Colleges Music Scholarship for Black Students

This aid is for Black students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate music programs. Each applicant must provide either a 1500-2000 word essay or a 5-10 minute video.

Amount: $5,000

#2: Attend Online Programs In-State

Taxpayer monies fund public and state universities. As a result, in-state residents usually pay a cheaper tuition rate since their taxes pay for schools. Furthermore, states assume that in-state students have higher chances to contribute to their GDP after graduation.

On the other hand, out-of-state students are considered less likely to help increase the GDP of a state where they have no roots because they do not pay taxes to support the universities.

However, regardless of residency, tuition is the same for private universities.

The differences between in-state and out-of-state tuition aren’t particularly significant in the case of affordable institutions. However, paying for an institution’s out-of-state tuition and other associated costs might still be difficult for some students.

#3:Consider Online Master’s Degrees with Generous Transfer Credit Policy

Transfer credits are one of the best strategies to lower future education expenses. A generous transfer policy primarily benefits adult learners with years of prior educational and professional work experience.

Find colleges and universities with a generous transfer credit policy since the more credits you can transfer, the quicker you can finish your degree and the less you’ll have to pay in tuition.

#4: Pursue Accelerated Courses/Degree Programs

Accelerated courses and degree programs allow students to complete their degrees faster. As a result, you can advance more swiftly toward your field or the position you’ve been dreaming of at your current job. It also strengthens your resume if you seek a new job in a competitive industry.

#5: Ask for Assistance from your Employer

Many companies are willing to offer tuition reimbursement in exchange for a contract for a number of years of service. Employers view tuition aid programs as a viable solution for bridging the skills gap in their workforce and enhancing employee retention. Meanwhile, it can be a great way for qualified workers to obtain a degree and be at least partially reimbursed for the tuition cost.

#6: Seek Financial Aid

Visit the Federal Student Aid website to find out if you qualify for grants or student loans.

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Most Affordable Online Master’s of Music Education Programs 2025

Key Takeaways

Most Affordable Online Master's in Music Education Degree Programs in 2025

2025 Ranking Update

Most Affordable Music Education Master’s Programs

Last Year’s Ranking:

Career Outlook for Music degree at Ohio University

Most Influential Alumni

Career Outlook for Music degree at University of South Florida

Most Influential Alumni

Career Outlook for Music degree at Florida International University

Most Influential Alumni

Florida International University’s Online Degrees

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Career Outlook for Music degree at Bowling Green State University

Most Influential Alumni

Career Outlook for Music degree at Illinois State University

Most Influential Alumni

Career Outlook for Music degree at University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Most Influential Alumni

University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Music degree at East Carolina University

Most Influential Alumni

East Carolina University’s Online Degrees

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Career Outlook for Music degree at University of Northern Colorado

Most Influential Alumni

Career Outlook for Music degree at University of Southern Mississippi

Most Influential Alumni

University of Southern Mississippi’s Online Degrees

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Career Outlook for Music degree at University of West Georgia

Most Influential Alumni

University of West Georgia’s Online Degrees

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Career Outlook for Students with Music Degree

Music

Degree Level: Master's

Career Salaries

Top Industries

Licensure and Certification for Online Music Education Majors

Teacher Licensure and Reciprocity

What can graduates do with an online master’s in music education studies degree?

K-12 Music Teachers

Music Director/Composer

Music Teachers in Private Settings

Postsecondary Music Teachers

Short Guide: How To Make Affordable Online Colleges in Music Education Cheaper

#1: Apply for Scholarships

#2: Attend Online Programs In-State

#3:Consider Online Master’s Degrees with Generous Transfer Credit Policy

#4: Pursue Accelerated Courses/Degree Programs

#5: Ask for Assistance from your Employer

#6: Seek Financial Aid