WIBC Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost comparison between the American Band College of Central Washington University and Various U.S. Universities?

All fees are based on 2023 prices and are subject to change.

Central Washington University Master's Degree (ABC)
Item-by-Item Cost Comparison
Item
ACADEMIC COSTS
VARIOUS U.S.
UNIVERSITIES
AMERICAN BAND
COLLEGE of Central Washington University
Credits & fees (45 quarter hours) $36,000 to $61,000 $16,500
Cost of academic fees PER summer $16,750 average nationally $5,500
Average cost PER CREDIT (semester credit) $1233 (per semester credit) $350 (per semester credit)

(†) Study material set, special books and materials plus local fees related to lab and classroom usage that are bill as part of Room & Board & Local Fees below.

ROOM AND BOARD COSTS & LOCAL FEES VARIOUS U.S.
UNIVERSITIES
AMERICAN BAND
COLLEGE of CWU
Room & Board (3 summers/double occupancy*) $12,000 to $20,000 $4,905 - $5,385
Books, music, recordings, and lab fees (3 summers) $3,500 to 5,500 $0
COST of room, board, facility and lab fees PER summer $7,665 $3,130 - $3,290

(*) Based on period of time students would be required to live on campus: normally 6 weeks per summer at most universities; 2+ weeks per summer for ABC. Breakfast included in room and board cost above.

TOTAL COMBINED COSTS VARIOUS U.S.
UNIVERSITIES
AMERICAN BAND
COLLEGE of CWU
TOTAL cost of degree (excluding travel) $65,000 average nationally $26,905
Cost of academic fees/room/board PER SUMMER $21,666 average nationally $8,968

Total cost of The American Band College Master's Degree is less than 1/2 the national average!

TEACHING STAFF & CLASS DIVERSITY VARIOUS U.S.
UNIVERSITIES
AMERICAN BAND
COLLEGE of CWU
Total number of teachers per summer 5 to 7 25+
Total number of different teachers (3 years) 12 to 15 50+
Total number of different subject areas 10 to 15 25
Classes related directly to band directing 10 to 20 75

The Central Washington University master's degree (provided in conjunction with the American Band College) is a Master of Music with specialization in Music Education. The degree is conferred by Central Washington University (an NASM* school). In addition, the American Band College Certification is awarded, in the form of a plaque, by the ABC masters degree faculty to those completing the degree. Number of graduates through Summer of 2023 over 1200, with candidates from all 50 states. (CLICK HERE to see ABC Candidate Photobook.)

*NASM, founded in 1924, is an organization of schools, conservatories, colleges and universities. It has approximately 600 accredited institutional members. It establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials. Institutional Membership is gained through the peer review process of accreditation.