2026 Best Value Music Doctoral Degree Schools

#1

North Dakota State University Main Campus

Fargo, ND

North Dakota State University Main Campus tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Music doctoral degree schools in the United States. Based in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. The median Music program debt is $25,153. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,203. Set against $25,153 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on North Dakota State University Main Campus

#2

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA

Out of the 1375 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Liberty University landed the #2 spot. Based in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,173. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,813. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Liberty University

#3

Cuny Graduate School And University Center

New York, NY

Cuny Graduate School And University Center came in at #3 on this year's best-value Music ranking in the United States. Located in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,235, with out-of-state students paying around $15,185. Graduates carry a median of $17,921 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,991 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny Graduate School And University Center has an acceptance rate of 68%. Get the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center report

#4

University Of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, MS

A rank of #4 makes University Of Southern Mississippi one of the best values in the United States. Located in Hattiesburg, MS, University Of Southern Mississippi is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,998 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,998. University Of Southern Mississippi Music students take on a median of $25,415 in debt. 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. University Of Southern Mississippi has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read the full report on University Of Southern Mississippi

#5

University Of Houston

Houston, TX

You'll get strong value at University Of Houston, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,717 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Music program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,377. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Houston has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read the full report on University Of Houston

#6

The University Of Texas At Austin

Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Located in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. The median Music program debt is $26,000. The University Of Texas At Austin alumni report median earnings of $75,121 a decade after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile

#7

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Typical Music student debt is $27,816. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. Set against $27,816 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Tech University has an acceptance rate of 73%. Get the full Texas Tech University report

#8

University Of Nebraska Lincoln

Lincoln, NE

University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Typical Music student debt is $25,373. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. Set against $25,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska Lincoln has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report

#9

University Of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Madison Music students take on a median of $21,813 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,792 ten years after entry. Set against $21,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 45%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile

#10

University Of California Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Berkeley, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,800 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,446 ten years after entry. Set against $12,800 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11%. Read more about University Of California Berkeley

#11

University Of Memphis

Memphis, TN

University Of Memphis came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Based in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,728, while out-of-state students pay about $15,384. University Of Memphis Music students take on a median of $22,060 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,458. Set against $22,060 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Memphis admits about 72% of applicants. See the full University Of Memphis profile

#12

Bowling Green State University Main Campus

Bowling Green, OH

Bowling Green State University Main Campus ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Set in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,912 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. The median Music program debt is $27,000. Bowling Green State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $47,896 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bowling Green State University Main Campus admits about 81% of applicants. Get the full Bowling Green State University Main Campus report

#13

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Michigan State University is a public school based in East Lansing, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. The median Music program debt is $26,750. Michigan State University alumni report median earnings of $67,253 a decade after entry. Set against $26,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Michigan State University has an acceptance rate of 85%. See the full Michigan State University profile

#14

University Of North Texas

Denton, TX

University Of North Texas offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. University Of North Texas is a public school based in Denton, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,309 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. University Of North Texas Music students take on a median of $24,456 in debt. University Of North Texas alumni report median earnings of $57,010 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read the full report on University Of North Texas

#15

University Of California Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Typical Music student debt is $23,119. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,511 ten years after entry. Set against $23,119 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of California Los Angeles report

#16

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA

James Madison University placed #16 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. This public school is set in Harrisonburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $13,966, compared with $31,312 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,968 to complete their Music program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,954 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. More on James Madison University

#17

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL

Florida State University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Florida State University is a public school based in Tallahassee, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $6,517, with out-of-state students paying around $21,683. Typical Music student debt is $23,992. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,675 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,992 median debt. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Florida State University

#18

University Of Virginia Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA

University Of Virginia Main Campus landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $23,118 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. University Of Virginia Main Campus Music students take on a median of $18,131 in debt. University Of Virginia Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $86,863 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,131 median debt. University Of Virginia Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 17%. Read the full report on University Of Virginia Main Campus

#19

University Of Florida

Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida placed #19 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Graduates carry a median of $17,669 in student loans. Median earnings reach $71,588 ten years out. Set against $17,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Florida

#20

University Of California Irvine

Irvine, CA

University Of California Irvine came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Set in Irvine, CA, University Of California Irvine is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,752, with out-of-state students paying around $46,640. Students borrow a median of $16,539 to complete their Music program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,735. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Irvine admits about 29% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of California Irvine

#21

University Of Nevada Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV

University Of Nevada Las Vegas ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Located in Las Vegas, NV, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,748, compared with $27,411 for out-of-state students. Typical Music student debt is $31,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,037 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nevada Las Vegas has an acceptance rate of 96%. More on University Of Nevada Las Vegas

#22

Duke University

Durham, NC

Duke University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Durham, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,758. Students borrow a median of $13,296 to complete their Music program here. Median earnings reach $97,800 ten years out. Set against $13,296 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 6% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Duke University report

#22

University Of Iowa

Iowa City, IA

University Of Iowa placed #22 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. This public school is set in Iowa City, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. The median Music program debt is $27,783. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,762 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,783 median debt. University Of Iowa has an acceptance rate of 84%. See the full University Of Iowa profile

#24

Ball State University

Muncie, IN

Ball State University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Muncie, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $11,082, compared with $29,630 for out-of-state students. The median Music program debt is $24,518. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,833. Set against $24,518 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ball State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full Ball State University report

#25

Texas Christian University

Fort Worth, TX

Texas Christian University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Fort Worth, TX, Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $61,740. Typical Music student debt is $23,500. Median earnings reach $68,424 ten years out. Set against $23,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 44%. Read more about Texas Christian University

#26

University Of Hartford

West Hartford, CT

University Of Hartford placed #26 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. University Of Hartford is a private not-for-profit school based in West Hartford, CT. Students from in state pay about $49,075 in tuition and fees. The median Music program debt is $27,000. University Of Hartford alumni report median earnings of $60,823 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Hartford

#27

University Of Northern Colorado

Greeley, CO

University Of Northern Colorado landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Northern Colorado is a public school based in Greeley, CO. Students from in state pay about $11,901 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $26,979. University Of Northern Colorado Music students take on a median of $24,354 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,231. That is a strong return on a $24,354 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Northern Colorado report

#28

Shenandoah University

Winchester, VA

Shenandoah University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Winchester, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,950. The median Music program debt is $25,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,433. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Shenandoah University admits about 77% of applicants. Get the full Shenandoah University report

#29

University Of California Davis

Davis, CA

University Of California Davis ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Set in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. University Of California Davis Music students take on a median of $17,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,838 ten years after entry. Set against $17,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of California Davis profile

#30

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Set in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,994 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill Music students take on a median of $19,000 in debt. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill alumni report median earnings of $72,200 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,000 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill admits about 15% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

#31

University Of California Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA

University Of California Santa Barbara came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. University Of California Santa Barbara is a public school based in Santa Barbara, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,444, with out-of-state students paying around $47,332. Graduates carry a median of $15,501 in student loans. Median earnings reach $74,915 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,501 median debt. The acceptance rate is 33%. Read more about University Of California Santa Barbara

#32

Rutgers University New Brunswick

New Brunswick, NJ

Rutgers University New Brunswick ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. This public school is set in New Brunswick, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,929, with out-of-state students paying around $37,441. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Music program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,479 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Rutgers University New Brunswick report

#33

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #33 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Located in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Typical Music student debt is $24,625. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign alumni report median earnings of $81,054 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,625 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

#34

Temple University

Philadelphia, PA

Temple University placed #34 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,005, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. Typical Music student debt is $24,000. Temple University alumni report median earnings of $63,727 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. More on Temple University

#34

University Of Missouri Columbia

Columbia, MO

University Of Missouri Columbia offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. University Of Missouri Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. University Of Missouri Columbia Music students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. University Of Missouri Columbia alumni report median earnings of $63,403 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of Missouri Columbia has an acceptance rate of 78%. Get the full University Of Missouri Columbia report

#36

Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College

Baton Rouge, LA

Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public school based in Baton Rouge, LA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,954, with out-of-state students paying around $28,631. The median Music program debt is $19,455. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College alumni report median earnings of $61,251 a decade after entry. Set against $19,455 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College

#36

University Of Kansas

Lawrence, KS

University Of Kansas ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. University Of Kansas is a public school based in Lawrence, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,102, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. The median Music program debt is $23,608. Median earnings reach $61,945 ten years out. Set against $23,608 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Kansas has an acceptance rate of 94%. Read the full report on University Of Kansas

#36

West Virginia University

Morgantown, WV

West Virginia University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. West Virginia University is a public school based in Morgantown, WV. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $28,608. Typical Music student debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,939 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. More on West Virginia University

#39

University Of South Carolina Columbia

Columbia, SC

University Of South Carolina Columbia ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Based in Columbia, SC, University Of South Carolina Columbia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,688, compared with $36,298 for out-of-state students. The median Music program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,177 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 60%. Read the full report on University Of South Carolina Columbia

#40

University Of California San Diego

La Jolla, CA

University Of California San Diego placed #40 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Set in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,788, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. The median Music program debt is $18,938. Graduates go on to earn a median of $84,943 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,938 median debt. University Of California San Diego admits about 27% of applicants. Get the full University Of California San Diego report

#41

University Of North Carolina At Greensboro

Greensboro, NC

University Of North Carolina At Greensboro came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public school based in Greensboro, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $7,661, with out-of-state students paying around $24,012. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Music program here. Median earnings reach $48,160 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of North Carolina At Greensboro profile

#42

University Of Kentucky

Lexington, KY

University Of Kentucky ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Located in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,502, with out-of-state students paying around $34,140. Students borrow a median of $23,000 to complete their Music program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,025 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,000 median debt. University Of Kentucky has an acceptance rate of 93%. Get the full University Of Kentucky report

#43

Arizona State University

Tempe, AZ

Arizona State University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. This public school is set in Tempe, AZ. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Graduates carry a median of $21,504 in student loans. Arizona State University alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Set against $21,504 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on Arizona State University

#44

Brandeis University

Waltham, MA

Brandeis University placed #44 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Set in Waltham, MA, Brandeis University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,080. Graduates carry a median of $25,653 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $77,231 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,653 median debt. Brandeis University admits about 40% of applicants. More on Brandeis University

#45

Indiana University Bloomington

Bloomington, IN

Indiana University Bloomington came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Bloomington, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $12,144, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. The median Music program debt is $20,769. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,742. Set against $20,769 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University Bloomington has an acceptance rate of 78%. Get the full Indiana University Bloomington report

#46

University Of Georgia

Athens, GA

University Of Georgia came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Athens, GA. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Graduates carry a median of $22,344 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,726. Set against $22,344 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Georgia has an acceptance rate of 38%. Get the full University Of Georgia report

#47

University Of Mississippi Main Campus

University, MS

University Of Mississippi Main Campus landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in University, MS, University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,772, while out-of-state students pay about $28,600. The median Music program debt is $17,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,994. Set against $17,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Mississippi Main Campus profile

#48

University Of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT

University Of Utah placed #48 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. This public school is set in Salt Lake City, UT. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,620, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. The median Music program debt is $16,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,170. Set against $16,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full University Of Utah profile

#49

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus

Norman, OK

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Based in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,797, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,639 to complete their Music program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,126 ten years after entry. Set against $21,639 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus report

#49

University Of South Florida Main Campus

Tampa, FL

University Of South Florida Main Campus landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public school based in Tampa, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Typical Music student debt is $21,829. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,743 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 43%. See the full University Of South Florida Main Campus profile