Im not planning to be a music major but I figured this would be the best place to ask this question. I play the french horn and mellophone but do not own either. My school provides them because they are expensive instruments. When I go to college I want to play in the pep band and/or symphonic band.Do some colleges provide instruments? My current mellophone I use is in poor shape so I could maybe buy one and use it for marching/pep band this year and use it in college.
Best bet is to check with the schools. That being said, when I was in school many years ago marching-specific instruments like mellos, baritones, Sousaphones, etc., were provided by the school. A French horn for symphonic band might be a different case. I know my college had some for music ed majors taking taking the brass methods class, but doubt they had any for general use. But ask to be sure.