2026 Best Value Music Schools
Looking for the best-value Music programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1375 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Grad Degree reviewed schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Music Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found Columbia College Chicago to be the best-value Music school in the United States. Based in Chicago, IL, Columbia College Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,088. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Music program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,195. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Columbia College Chicago admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Columbia College Chicago profile
Out of the 1375 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, West Texas A And M University landed the #2 spot. This public school is set in Canyon, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,101, while out-of-state students pay about $10,996. Students borrow a median of $24,750 to complete their Music program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,741. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. More on West Texas A And M University
Out of the 1375 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Messiah College landed the #3 spot. Set in Mechanicsburg, PA, Messiah College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $42,240 in tuition and fees. Typical Music student debt is $25,965. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,064. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 79%. Get the full Messiah College report
You'll get strong value at Truman State University, which ranked #4 this year. This public school is set in Kirksville, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,838, compared with $18,566 for out-of-state students. The median Music program debt is $23,168. Truman State University alumni report median earnings of $56,280 a decade after entry. Set against $23,168 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Truman State University admits about 84% of applicants. Read the full report on Truman State University
North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #5 on this year's best-value Music ranking in the United States. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. Graduates carry a median of $25,153 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,203 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus
Youngstown State University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Youngstown, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Graduates carry a median of $26,373 in student loans. Youngstown State University alumni report median earnings of $41,544 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,373 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Youngstown State University
Lindenwood University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Charles, MO. Students from in state pay about $21,600 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $28,663 to complete their Music program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,278. Set against $28,663 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lindenwood University admits about 57% of applicants. See the full Lindenwood University profile
Brigham Young University Provo ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $10,460 to complete their Music program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
Texas A And M University Kingsville landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Kingsville, TX, Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,892, while out-of-state students pay about $25,746. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete their Music program here. Texas A And M University Kingsville alumni report median earnings of $51,450 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. More on Texas A And M University Kingsville
University Of Nebraska At Kearney offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Set in Kearney, NE, University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,564, while out-of-state students pay about $16,484. University Of Nebraska At Kearney Music students take on a median of $22,173 in debt. Median earnings reach $50,105 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,173 median debt. University Of Nebraska At Kearney has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska At Kearney
University Of South Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Set in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,432, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. The median Music program debt is $26,322. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,926. That is a strong return on a $26,322 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of South Dakota
The University Of Texas Pan American ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. This public school is set in Edinburg, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,799, with out-of-state students paying around $19,645. Students borrow a median of $20,920 to complete their Music program here. Median earnings reach $49,620 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,920 median debt. The University Of Texas Pan American has an acceptance rate of 94%. Read more about The University Of Texas Pan American
Sam Houston State University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Set in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,068. Graduates carry a median of $28,000 in student loans. Sam Houston State University alumni report median earnings of $54,211 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. Sam Houston State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on Sam Houston State University
Liberty University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Set in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,173. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Music program here. Median earnings reach $44,813 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Liberty University profile
Western Illinois University placed #15 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. This public school is set in Macomb, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,572. Typical Music student debt is $30,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,163. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Western Illinois University report
University Of Central Arkansas came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Conway, AR. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,523, with out-of-state students paying around $18,023. The median Music program debt is $29,139. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,938. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Central Arkansas admits about 90% of applicants. Read more about University Of Central Arkansas
Cuny Graduate School And University Center offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Based in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,235, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. The median Music program debt is $17,921. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,991 ten years after entry. Set against $17,921 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Cuny Graduate School And University Center
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public school based in Edwardsville, IL. Students from in state pay about $12,092 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,500 to complete their Music program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,346 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,500 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Texas A And M University Commerce landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Commerce, TX, Texas A And M University Commerce is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,026 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,326 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,101 in student loans. Median earnings reach $50,296 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas A And M University Commerce
The University Of Texas At El Paso offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. The University Of Texas At El Paso is a public school based in El Paso, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,544 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,502. Students borrow a median of $14,612 to complete their Music program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,923. Set against $14,612 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At El Paso has an acceptance rate of 100%. Get the full The University Of Texas At El Paso report
Texas Womans University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Set in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,640, with out-of-state students paying around $18,480. Texas Womans University Music students take on a median of $25,810 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,544. Set against $25,810 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Womans University has an acceptance rate of 96%. More on Texas Womans University
Converse College offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Converse College is a private not-for-profit school based in Spartanburg, SC. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,240. Students borrow a median of $26,715 to complete their Music program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,867 ten years after entry. Set against $26,715 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. See the full Converse College profile
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in West Chester, PA. Students from in state pay about $10,775 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,599. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,258. The acceptance rate is 78%. Get the full West Chester University Of Pennsylvania report
Morehead State University placed #24 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. This public school is set in Morehead, KY. In-state tuition and fees average $10,024, compared with $14,980 for out-of-state students. Typical Music student debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,197 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Morehead State University has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read more about Morehead State University
Illinois State University placed #25 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Based in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Illinois State University Music students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. Illinois State University alumni report median earnings of $62,117 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full Illinois State University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Music Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Montclair State University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. This public school is set in Montclair, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,415. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Montclair State University
University Of Southern Mississippi ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. This public school is set in Hattiesburg, MS. In-state tuition and fees average $9,998, with out-of-state students paying around $11,998. The median Music program debt is $25,415. University Of Southern Mississippi alumni report median earnings of $44,140 a decade after entry. Set against $25,415 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Southern Mississippi report
Arkansas State University Main Campus ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public school based in Jonesboro, AR. In-state tuition and fees average $8,090, compared with $14,522 for out-of-state students. Typical Music student debt is $23,399. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,617. Set against $23,399 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arkansas State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 82%. Get the full Arkansas State University Main Campus report
Missouri State University Springfield landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,502 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,408 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,827 ten years out. Set against $24,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Missouri State University Springfield admits about 90% of applicants. More on Missouri State University Springfield
Northern Illinois University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,060. Northern Illinois University Music students take on a median of $29,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. More on Northern Illinois University
Kansas State University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Based in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Graduates carry a median of $23,546 in student loans. Kansas State University alumni report median earnings of $57,262 a decade after entry. Set against $23,546 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. Get the full Kansas State University report
University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #32 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Typical Music student debt is $25,373. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. Set against $25,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile
Texas Tech University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,852 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,816 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. That is a strong return on a $27,816 median debt. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Texas Tech University report
Stephen F Austin State University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Set in Nacogdoches, TX, Stephen F Austin State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,128, while out-of-state students pay about $20,968. The median Music program debt is $27,000. Stephen F Austin State University alumni report median earnings of $49,634 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%. Get the full Stephen F Austin State University report
Mississippi College ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Based in Clinton, MS, Mississippi College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,500. Graduates carry a median of $25,510 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,485. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mississippi College has an acceptance rate of 29%. More on Mississippi College
Azusa Pacific University landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Azusa Pacific University is a private not-for-profit school based in Azusa, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,458. The median Music program debt is $22,000. Median earnings reach $66,677 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,000 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Azusa Pacific University
University Of Wyoming placed #37 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Based in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,768, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. Students borrow a median of $20,283 to complete their Music program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,880. That is a strong return on a $20,283 median debt. University Of Wyoming admits about 97% of applicants. Read more about University Of Wyoming
University Of Delaware came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Set in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. Typical Music student debt is $25,334. University Of Delaware alumni report median earnings of $72,950 a decade after entry. Set against $25,334 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read more about University Of Delaware
San Jose State University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. This public school is set in San Jose, CA. Students from in state pay about $8,410 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,988. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants. More on San Jose State University
Eastern Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. This public school is set in Charleston, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,377, compared with $15,859 for out-of-state students. Typical Music student debt is $26,300. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,989. That is a strong return on a $26,300 median debt. Eastern Illinois University admits about 65% of applicants. Read the full report on Eastern Illinois University
University Of Nebraska At Omaha offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Set in Omaha, NE, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,718, while out-of-state students pay about $23,206. University Of Nebraska At Omaha Music students take on a median of $21,783 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,909 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,783 median debt. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Nebraska At Omaha report
Eastern Kentucky University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Richmond, KY, Eastern Kentucky University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,320, while out-of-state students pay about $21,230. Graduates carry a median of $20,379 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,795 ten years after entry. Set against $20,379 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Eastern Kentucky University report
University Of Akron Main Campus ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Set in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,135, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. Students borrow a median of $25,062 to complete their Music program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,600. Set against $25,062 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Akron Main Campus
The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants. More on The University Of Texas At Austin
Oklahoma City University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Set in Oklahoma City, OK, Oklahoma City University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,754. Oklahoma City University Music students take on a median of $26,456 in debt. Median earnings reach $54,655 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read the full report on Oklahoma City University
Rowan University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Set in Glassboro, NJ, Rowan University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,574 in tuition and fees, compared with $26,932 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,988 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Rowan University admits about 78% of applicants. More on Rowan University
University Of Northern Iowa placed #46 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Located in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,936, compared with $21,712 for out-of-state students. Typical Music student debt is $19,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,177. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Northern Iowa admits about 93% of applicants. More on University Of Northern Iowa
University Of Houston ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Located in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. Typical Music student debt is $26,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,377. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants. See the full University Of Houston profile
Indiana State University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Terre Haute, IN, Indiana State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,258 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,322 for out-of-state students. Typical Music student debt is $27,000. Indiana State University alumni report median earnings of $48,387 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Indiana State University profile
Lee University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Lee University is a private not-for-profit school based in Cleveland, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,790. The median Music program debt is $28,000. Median earnings reach $43,222 ten years out. Set against $28,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 70%. More on Lee University
Best Value Music Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Music Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Music Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Music Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Music Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Music Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Music Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Music Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 1375 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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