Does everyone around you tell you that your passion for music is a nice hobby or something you could do on the side of your real career? Would you like to prove them wrong?
When people refer to your love of music this way, they are not seeing the fact that there is a real, practical way to transform your passion for music into a financially viable career. The most affordable online colleges for music degrees can help you do this. Earning your music program degree as an online student can help you to learn anything from music performance or production to becoming a wonderful music teacher in our schools.
Beyond that, the list of options for careers in music goes way beyond teaching or performing. Other music careers include recording and sound technicians and designers, music production, music technology, jingle writing for apps and ads, worship arts, radio disc jockeying, music therapy, or a number of any other jobs in the music business or music education. Currently, the entertainment industry is a significant avenue for music careers. Every movie or show has a soundtrack put together by people like you!
Search through this list of the best colleges with affordable online music degrees to find a music degree program that will refine your skills, sharpen your talents, and enrich your vibrant musical passion. When choosing the right higher education music program for you, make sure it includes programs that encourage performance and/or internships and help with job placement after finishing their music degree program. Who knows? Perhaps one day, you will join the music industry as a famous performer, own your own record label, or you may simply find the joy of being a music educator or music therapist who shares with others the magic of music in our lives.
Other Online Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below. Find a school that offers free laptops.All schools considered for these rankings:
- Are regionally or nationally accredited
- Offer at least one fully online music degree (with no more than two weeks of required in-person work)
- Were collected from official accrediting agency websites.
Schools are ranked solely by the average net price as released in the most recent IPEDs database collected in July of 2023.
2024 Most Affordable Online Music Degrees
| Rank | School | Average Net Price |
| #1 | The Baptist College of Florida | $7,641 |
| #2 | University of Maine at Augusta | $9,889 |
| #3 | University of Michigan-Flint | $13,218 |
| #4 | University of Toledo | $16,650 |
| #5 | Liberty University | $28,561 |
5 Best Affordable Colleges for Online Colleges for Music Degrees
1. The Baptist College of Florida
Average Net Price: $7,641
School Type: Private, Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Acceptance Rate: 76%
The Baptist College of Florida (BCF) presents a dynamic duo of online music degrees: the Bachelor of Arts in Music (B.A.) and the Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.). These degrees bear the prestigious accreditation of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
The B.A. in Music program beckons students seeking a versatile music degree. Here, students sculpt their musical prowess with the freedom to specialize in performance, composition, or music theory. Alternatively, they can opt for a more diversified musical journey. The program generously offers a plethora of elective hours, allowing students to handpick music courses tailored to their passions and future aspirations.
Meanwhile, the B.M.E. program caters to those charting a path in music education within both public and private educational realms (K-12). This program comes endorsed by the Florida Department of Education, paving the way to certification as a music educator in the public school arena.
Intriguingly, both BCF’s online music degrees demand students to undertake a robust core curriculum in music studies. This entails delving into the realms of music theory, music history, and the appreciation of music’s nuances. Furthermore, students are afforded the enriching opportunity to partake in applied music lessons and actively engage in diverse musical ensembles.
For online music scholars at BCF, there is no dearth of resources or support. They can seamlessly connect with their instructors and peers through a multitude of channels, including email, vibrant discussion forums, and interactive video conferencing. Access to the college’s extensive library, writing center, and a plethora of other student-centric resources is readily at their fingertips.
2. University of Maine at Augusta
Average Net Price: $9,889
School Type: Public, Non-Profit
School Accreditation: NECHE
Acceptance Rate: 100%
The University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) extends an array of music education opportunities. Within its offerings lie the Bachelor of Music (BM) in Contemporary and Popular Music, boasting concentrations in Performance/Composition, Music Technology, and Music Education. Alongside, an Associate of Science (AS) in Contemporary and Popular Music and a Certificate in Music Technology are also available. Notably, all these programs are accessible online, catering to students who either can’t or prefer not to attend physical classes.
The BM program in Contemporary and Popular Music stands as a comprehensive platform, honing students’ skills for diverse roles within the music industry. It immerses students in music theory, ear training, historical perspectives on music, music technology, and ensemble performance. Additionally, it offers an array of elective courses, enabling students to delve into areas like songwriting, the music business, and music education.
Comprising a two-year curriculum, the AS program in Contemporary and Popular Music delivers a foundational knowledge base required for music careers. It covers an extensive range of topics akin to the BM program but in a more concise manner.
For those seeking specialization, the Certificate in Music Technology, a one-year program, equips students with skills vital for the music technology field. It encompasses subjects like audio recording, music production, and sound design, providing graduates with a skill set applicable in recording studios, live music venues, and film and television production firms.
Eminent faculty members, seasoned in their fields, spearhead UMA’s online music programs. This digital learning experience mirrors on-campus support, offering students access to tutoring services, library resources, and career guidance.
3. University of Michigan-Flint
Average Net Price: $13,218
School Type: Public, Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
Acceptance Rate: 77%
The University of Michigan-Flint offers a Bachelor of Music (BM) degree in Music Education and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Music online. Both programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
Bachelor of Music in Music Education
The BM in Music Education program prepares students for careers as K-12 music teachers. Students take courses in music theory, history, and performance, as well as pedagogy and methods courses. They also complete a student teaching internship in a local school district.
Bachelor of Arts in Music
The BA in Music program is designed for students who want to study music in conjunction with other disciplines. Students can choose a minor in another field, such as business, education, or English. The BA program also offers a concentration in Music History and Literature.
Both online music programs at UM-Flint offer students the same high-quality education as the on-campus programs. Students have access to the same expert faculty, rigorous coursework, and financial aid opportunities.
4. University of Toledo
Average Net Price: $16,650
School Type: Public, Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
Acceptance Rate: 95%
The University of Toledo offers two online music degrees:
- Bachelor of Music in Performance (BM in Performance)
- Master of Music in Performance (MM in Performance)
Bachelor of Music in Performance
The BM in Performance degree is designed for students who want to pursue a professional career in music performance. The program offers concentrations in the following areas:
- Guitar
- Instrumental Jazz
- Instrumental and Vocal Jazz with an Emphasis in Music Business and Recording Arts
- Percussion
- Piano
- String
- Voice
- Wind
To be admitted to the BM in Performance program, students must submit an online application, audition, and provide transcripts and letters of recommendation.
Master of Music in Performance
The MM in Performance degree is designed for students who want to pursue advanced studies in music performance. The program offers concentrations in the following areas:
- Instrumental Performance
- Jazz Performance
- Vocal Performance
To be admitted to the MM in Performance program, students must submit an online application, audition, and provide transcripts and letters of recommendation.
Both the BM in Performance and MM in Performance online programs are offered through the University of Toledo’s College of Arts and Letters and Department of Music.
5. Liberty University
Average Net Price: $28,561
School Type: Private, Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Acceptance Rate: 50%
Liberty University Online offers a variety of music degrees, including:
- Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Guitar Performance
- Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Music Education: Choral
- Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Music Education: Instrumental
- Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Music Vocal
- Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Piano Performance
- Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in String Performance
- Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Vocal Performance
- Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Woodwind, Brass, or Percussion Performance
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Commercial Music
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Music and Worship
Liberty’s online music programs are designed to be flexible and affordable, so that students can pursue their musical education while also balancing work, family, and other commitments. Courses are taught by experienced music professionals who are passionate about helping students reach their full potential.
Sources:
1. https://www.niche.com/
2. https://www.usnews.com/
3. https://www.utoledo.edu/admission/freshman/test-optional.html
4. http://www.flint.umich.edu/
5. https://www.uma.edu/