Price of Attending Universities with AMTA-Approved Undergraduate Music Therapy Degree Programs

Dawn Iwamasa,Austin C Thorn

doi:10.18060/25405

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze tuition, student loan, and Pell Grant data from universities with AMTA-approved undergraduate music therapy degree programs. Data from the College Insight Tool was used to collect data on average tuition and fees, average loan debt of graduates, percentage of graduates with debt, and percentage of students who received a Pell Grant from four-year institutions offering an undergraduate music therapy degree during the 2016-2017 academic year. Results indicated that tuition and fees were slightly higher at public universities and slightly lower at private institutions than national averages. The data also suggested that students who attended schools with music therapy programs were more likely to have student loan debt. Percentages of Pell Grant recipients were similar to national averages, indicating similar representation of low- to middle-income students. Regional data suggested that the Southeast region was the least expensive area of the country for tuition and fees, and among the lowest for student loan debt. The inverse was found for schools in the Great Lakes region where student loan debt was among the highest. More research is needed to better understand the implications of student loan debt on the education, long-term financial security, and career choice for professional music therapists.

Highlights

IntroductionDuring the 2019-2020 academic year, the average price for undergraduate tuition and fees at postsecondary institutions was $9,349 for public in-state institutions and $35,807 for non-profit private institutions (NCES, 2020b)
Individuals must invest and levy substantial financial resources to become a Board-Certified Music Therapist in the United States
Tuition and fees as well as percentages of Pell Grant recipients from the College Insight tool were complete for all schools; data for average debt of graduates were available for 70 schools; and percentage of students with debt were available for 69 schools

Summary

Introduction

During the 2019-2020 academic year, the average price for undergraduate tuition and fees at postsecondary institutions was $9,349 for public in-state institutions and $35,807 for non-profit private institutions (NCES, 2020b). According to the Department of Education, the cost of attendance (COA) includes tuition and fees, room and board (or living expenses), and books and supplies (U.S Department of Education, n.d.-a). Because financial aid and student loans can be used to cover the COA, students often need higher amounts of student loans to attend college in geographic locations with high costs of living. Aid in the form of academic or needs-based scholarships or discounts are offered from individual colleges and universities and help to decrease out-of-pocket costs for students and families (Lieber, 2021).

Objectives

Results

Conclusion