2024 Best Colleges for Music in Washington

• Seattle, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  4,597 reviews

Junior: Love the campus! The coursework is rigorous no matter your major, but there's tons of classes that are so niche and interesting to explore! This school will give you a challenge for sure! Having to apply to your major is a huge downside-- there's a decent chance you might not get to study what you want if the major is competitive and your GPA and statements aren't competitive enough (there's just too many students). Similarly, you can't take major classes until you get accepted into the major (which usually isn't until your junior year), so that can delay the graduation process if you don't schedule and plan your degree right. Because of the large student body, everyone is clawing for everything-- registration for classes is a nightmare, long lines at dining halls and events, etc. (you can expect to sometimes wait more than an hour for food, applying to housing/registration takes hours as well because the server is being filled with so many students).... Read 4,597 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 53%

• Net price $8,701

• SAT range 1200-1470

• Seattle, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  270 reviews

Freshman: Cornish offers a great opportunity for those interested in performing arts. The small teacher-to-student ratio enables one to get more personal attention. There's a lot of crossover between majors, such that I can try other artistic endeavors I am interested in. The dorm rooms are big and come with their own microwave and fridge. I have made some wonderful friends within a supportive environment. My one area I'd like to see improved is the food. I have dietary issues, which the school tries to accommodate , but weekend are challenging.... Read 270 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $38,109

• SAT range —

• Kirkland, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  571 reviews

Sophomore: Northwest University (NW) is an extremely fun campus. It is a Christ-oriented campus but the atmosphere is still full of joy and peace. Maybe God does look over us after all. Northwest is really eventful in the first 6 weeks, dies down a little bit so you can focus on your education and started again later on. The teachers here are extremely helpful. They teach you not only to be a student inside the classroom but also a good human in the outside world. I love NW and I’m so ready to be back.... Read 571 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 96%

• Net price $23,169

• SAT range 1000-1210

• Redmond, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  250 reviews

Junior: DigiPen Institute of Technology has a very inclusive and diverse population. Everyone is so unique and different in their own ways and yet, everyone is so accepting of each other. The student body and professors there don't exclude anybody and work together to build each other up and help everyone be the best person possible. I'm a BFA major and before coming to this school I was shy to voice my opinions and be who I really am. The encouragement from my peers and professors has been amazing, I have never been so outspoken or confident in myself, in my life. I feel listened to and understood in DigiPen. The majors are curated well to help you get into the line of work you want, while also showing you what that specific industry will be like before you join the workforce. My freshman year the school fell under scrutiny for crunch culture. This is a problem I have definitely had to deal with in my time at this place, but I also notice it's something the faculty is working hard to fix.... Read 250 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 46%

• Net price $35,559

• SAT range 1140-1390

• Tacoma, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.49 out of 5  795 reviews

Alum: Without a doubt THE BEST decision I ever made was to enroll at University of Puget Sound. I remember having several options from state schools to other private liberal arts colleges and while it may not have been the "cheapest" option on paper it was definitely the best decision both financially and academically. Having spoken with friends at state colleges, I know this was a smart decision. Many of my peers at other schools are still struggling to graduate in 4 years with many having to go another year. The advising I received at UPS was outstanding. The professors actually care about you as a person and want to help you succeed. I was actively involved in my education. The campus is beautiful and the students are generally interested and care about you. There is always something fun going on and it's easy to access and experience. I highly recommend coming to this school. You will love it!... Read 795 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $28,221

• SAT range 1150-1370

• Pullman, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  4,040 reviews

Freshman: My overall experience has been great! I feel very welcomed and accommodated on campus, and the support from staff and students is amazing! When I first arrived, I was immediatley offered help with moving into my dorm and my RA swiftly came to introduce herself to me and my family. Classes have begun this week, and my professors are all supportive of students and want to help everyone be successful in their classes. Although I am just starting out here, I can't imagine anything but great experiences in the future!... Read 4,040 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $11,877

• SAT range 1020-1210

• Ellensburg, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  1,590 reviews

Senior: I am an oncoming Senior at Central Washington University. This school is relatively affordable, and a small size for a public 4-year university. I am able to become close to my peers especially through the Graphic Design program I am in! I love how small the community is in this program, we all know each other and are able to help each other grow and learn. The campus is easy to navigate and the buildings are close together so it was very welcoming for a transfer student like me. The program I am in is challenging and I am excited to come back next year. Each class is helpful and targeted towards my degree. The food is pretty good, I like the marketplaces, but I wish there were some more food options. All the housing options are relatively close to the Student Union and Rec Center (where most of the food options are), the furthest dorm buildings are about an 8 minute walk. The school has high diversity rates and a high population of LGBT students, so the environment is welcoming.... Read 1,590 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $17,645

• SAT range 930-1150

• Bellingham, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  2,333 reviews

Senior: Bellingham, the town in which WWU is located, is the perfect college town. You can escape to the nearby mountains or stay in town and enjoy the stunning water views and enjoys hiking or walking nature trails. You can also head downtown for a taste of the city to enjoy bars, restaurants, and fun activities. The environment is truly unmatched. The school itself has beautiful original buildings as well as newer modern building housing the renovated Carver gym and science labs. My only complaint would be that since WWU tries to be so progressive sometimes topics that don't feel like they have a place being discussed in certain classes will arise. For some people this is fine but for me personally, I like to stick to the class material and not other political or highly opinionated matters unless it fits the class. Housing in this area can also be pricey so you have to start looking early!... Read 2,333 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 96%

• Net price $11,388

• SAT range 1090-1310

• Spokane, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  1,332 reviews

Junior: Gonzaga is a special place for many students. The school spirit is always a mile high, and there’s always something to do on campus. As a Catholic student myself, Gonzaga (and the church on campus, St. Al’s) has many ways to get involved with my faith, including daily mass, weekly adoration and fellowship clubs, and campus Jesuits. On the academic side, I can’t speak too much on the different schools, but I know that the school of engineering and applied science is one where the professors care about the wellbeing of the students, and with a average class size of only 20-35 students, it’s easy to make a lasting connection with many of my professors. And Spokane city is beautiful. As of June 2023, we now have an electric bus that runs through campus every 15 minutes to bring students downtown, to other universities, and around the city. Navigation is super simple thanks to the Spokane city transportation division. And I think our basketball team speaks for itself…. Go Zags!... Read 1,332 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $35,529

• SAT range 1210-1380

• Cheney, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  1,727 reviews

Other: I have yet to experience the atmosphere of Eastern Washington University as I am transferring from Bushnell University in Eugene, Oregon. However, in the enrollment and registration process, I can already tell I am going to love it there as my academic advisor is already ten times better than my last. I feel heard at Eastern so far which is more than can be said for my time at Bushnell. My time at Bushnell ended traumatically, and I am hoping Eastern provides me with a fresh start. I am hoping to earn this scholarship as I have no other way of paying for school. In transferring I lost my academic and athletic scholarships from Bushnell and I am unable to work due to injuries. This will not stop me from attending Eastern, a school with my dream physical therapy program!... Read 1,727 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 97%

• Net price $13,650

• SAT range 880-1090

• Seattle, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  997 reviews

Freshman: A little expensive for the quality of education and resources there. Plenty of ADHD and special needs accommodations but services are hard to waitlist/access and the staff isn’t always helpful. Most professors are nice but the quality of education isn’t challenging with well thought out organized lectures to cohesively teach. Dining hall is better compared to most schools but expensive per meal. The students at the school are pretty odd but a good diverse student population. I find that a lot of people have issues with the housing office throughout the year. However, the gym is very nice with decent hours. Big weight room, basketball courts, and cardio equipment. Work study is hard to get a job at this school and the hours are inconvenient. The job extends your hours without pay sometimes. Lots of events from the many clubs and involvement fairs throughout the year though! Really enjoyed the assortment from cultural, extramural sports, games, sporting events and school spirits events.... Read 997 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $36,671

• SAT range 1120-1330

• Vancouver, WA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  1,178 reviews

Niche User: I took an online math class at Lower Columbia College for college in the high school credits. The teacher was incredibly helpful and kind. The students worked hard and created a comfortable community. During the class, I was able to learn hands-on math skills as well as participate in a close-knit community. I have been on campus and it is a relatively nice area! The only critique I have is that the teacher did not grade very quickly and I would have to wait for important grades until the class ended. The class was scheduled for Monday and Friday but did not have a Zoom meeting which was incredibly convenient. The course was 'do it at your own pace'. The cost of attending Lower Columbia College is somewhat affordable and my school covered the cost of credits. I hope to tour the campus more to see if Lower Columbia College would be a viable option for me. I spoke to other students and they seem to enjoy the class too! I highly recommend taking online classes at Lower Columbia College.... Read 1,178 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,640

• SAT range —

• Spokane, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  950 reviews

Junior: There is great diversity on campus. Lots of ethnic groups that I can connect to, and this campus is a safe place for allowing myself to share some of my backgrounds. Whitworth University has provided me with an amazing education opportunity, life-long friendships, and a home away from home!... Read 950 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $27,438

• SAT range 1070-1280

• Shoreline, WA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  335 reviews

Sophomore: I have taken mostly science courses at Shoreline Community College, the best part of which has been the amazing teachers! The small class sizes have given me the opportunity to work one-on-one with professors that have doctorates in chemistry, anatomy and physiology, cellular biology, and microbiology. When I say that I leave every single class with new information, I mean it. No exaggerations. As far as change goes, I would love to see the buildings and equipment get some much needed updates. Our microbiology lab caught on fire this last quarter and we lost our microscopes, lab coats and goggles, in-person class time, and so much more. I'm proud to say that Shoreline runs in my family (my dad attended in the 1970s). If I could get a doctorate from this school, I absolutely would.... Read 335 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,832

• SAT range —

• Walla Walla, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  399 reviews

Alum: Whitman College provided an excellent educational experience! Despite the challenges of the Covid pandemic, the college achieved phenomenal classroom education, access to professors, and abundant academic resources. Classes pushes students to excel. The Whitman experience was also characterized by abundant social opportunities; between a multitude of clubs, Greek organizations, and spontaneous events, there was always something to do! Due to the small student population, it was almost impossible not to meet and build relationships with loads of your fellow students. Prospective students should be aware that the small size and small rural town of Walla Walla in which the school is located may not be to everyone's taste! Whitman provided me and many other graduates with an exemplary education, an unforgettable extracurricular experience, and a deep and engaged alumni community.... Read 399 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 59%

• Net price $35,627

• SAT range 1270-1440

• College Place, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  415 reviews

Alum: I loved the strong student life. Because almost everyone lived on campus, there was always something happening. Student association events occurred on weekdays and weekends, there were concerts, athletics games, worship services, outdoor guided trips, and more. The spiritual life on campus was really genuine and made questioning and exploring my faith easy. The professors cared about your success and we learned from a lot of expert guest lecturers. I wish the internship experience had been more structured in my major, although I know other departments did better at placing interns. My study abroad experience through the college was exceptional. The food was vegetarian and had good variety until my last year, when management changed and it became much more monotonous. Overall, the well-rounded skills and personal connections I made at WWU were life changing.... Read 415 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $25,421

• SAT range —