2026 Best Value Music Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Music graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1375 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on 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 analyzed schools to compile 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Messiah College earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Set in Mechanicsburg, PA, Messiah College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $42,240. Graduates carry a median of $25,965 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,064. That is a strong return on a $25,965 median debt. The acceptance rate is 79%. Get the full Messiah College report
Liberty University came in at #2 on this year's best-value Music ranking in the United States. Liberty University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,173. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,813 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Liberty University
Out of the 1375 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Central Arkansas landed the #3 spot. Located in Conway, AR, University Of Central Arkansas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,523, with out-of-state students paying around $18,023. Graduates carry a median of $29,139 in student loans. University Of Central Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $45,938 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Central Arkansas
You'll get strong value at Western Illinois University, which ranked #4 this year. Set in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,572 in tuition and fees. Western Illinois University Music students take on a median of $30,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,163 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,000 median debt. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Western Illinois University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville earned it the #5 place in the United States. Based in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,092. Graduates carry a median of $23,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,346 ten years after entry. Set against $23,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has an acceptance rate of 98%. More on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Northern Illinois University placed #6 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,060. Typical Music student debt is $29,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. Set against $29,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Northern Illinois University
Montclair State University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Montclair State University is a public school based in Montclair, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,912, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. The median Music program debt is $27,000. Montclair State University alumni report median earnings of $61,415 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Montclair State University
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Set in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,775, while out-of-state students pay about $22,599. Median earnings reach $61,258 ten years out. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania admits about 78% of applicants. More on West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
Texas Tech University placed #9 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Typical Music student debt is $27,816. Texas Tech University alumni report median earnings of $62,454 a decade after entry. Set against $27,816 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants. More on Texas Tech University
Missouri State University Springfield placed #10 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Set in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. The median Music program debt is $24,408. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,827 ten years after entry. Set against $24,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Missouri State University Springfield has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about Missouri State University Springfield
The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. 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, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Music program here. The University Of Texas At Austin alumni report median earnings of $75,121 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 27%. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
Texas State University San Marcos placed #12 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. This public school is set in San Marcos, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,930. Students borrow a median of $26,241 to complete their Music program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,906. That is a strong return on a $26,241 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. See the full Texas State University San Marcos profile
University Of North Texas came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Denton, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,309, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. University Of North Texas Music students take on a median of $24,456 in debt. Median earnings reach $57,010 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of North Texas profile
Ohio University Main Campus ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Located in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,158 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Music program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,581. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. More on Ohio University Main Campus
The University Of Texas At Arlington ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. This public school is set in Arlington, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,950 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,582. The University Of Texas At Arlington Music students take on a median of $24,911 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,199 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,911 median debt. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. See the full The University Of Texas At Arlington profile
Bowling Green State University Main Campus placed #16 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public school based in Bowling Green, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $13,912, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. The median Music program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,896. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bowling Green State University Main Campus admits about 81% of applicants. See the full Bowling Green State University Main Campus profile
Indiana University South Bend landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Indiana University South Bend is a public school based in South Bend, IN. Students from in state pay about $8,424 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,811. The median Music program debt is $24,640. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,947. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University South Bend admits about 84% of applicants. Get the full Indiana University South Bend report
University Of Nevada Las Vegas came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Set 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, with out-of-state students paying around $27,411. Graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. University Of Nevada Las Vegas alumni report median earnings of $55,037 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%. Read more about University Of Nevada Las Vegas
Texas Christian University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Fort Worth, TX, Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,740. Typical Music student debt is $23,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,424. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 44% of applicants are accepted. More on Texas Christian University
University Of Redlands ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. University Of Redlands is a private not-for-profit school based in Redlands, CA. Students from in state pay about $60,878 in tuition and fees. Typical Music student debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,690. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 83%. Read the full report on University Of Redlands
Columbus State University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Located in Columbus, GA, Columbus State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,898, while out-of-state students pay about $17,610. Columbus State University Music students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,544 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Columbus State University
Michigan State University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in East Lansing, MI. Students from in state pay about $18,079 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Michigan State University Music students take on a median of $26,750 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,253 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Michigan State University has an acceptance rate of 85%. Read more about Michigan State University
Northern Arizona University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Set in Flagstaff, AZ, Northern Arizona University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,619, while out-of-state students pay about $20,044. Northern Arizona University Music students take on a median of $21,645 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,384. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Northern Arizona University
Ball State University placed #23 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Located in Muncie, IN, Ball State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,082, with out-of-state students paying around $29,630. Ball State University Music students take on a median of $24,518 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,833. Set against $24,518 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ball State University admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on Ball State University
Depaul University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Depaul University is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,405. The median Music program debt is $23,334. Median earnings reach $68,751 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,334 median debt. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Depaul University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Music Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Roosevelt University placed #25 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Roosevelt University is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,315. Roosevelt University Music students take on a median of $27,750 in debt. Roosevelt University alumni report median earnings of $48,712 a decade after entry. Set against $27,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roosevelt University has an acceptance rate of 97%. More on Roosevelt University
Duquesne University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. Students from in state pay about $48,986 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,742 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read the full report on Duquesne University
University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Winston Salem, NC, University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,477 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,211 for out-of-state students. The median Music program debt is $23,143. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,357. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts has an acceptance rate of 30%. See the full University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts profile
University Of Missouri Columbia came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,837 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $63,403 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Missouri Columbia admits about 78% of applicants. Read more about University Of Missouri Columbia
Cuny Brooklyn College placed #30 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Set in Brooklyn, NY, Cuny Brooklyn College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,452, with out-of-state students paying around $15,402. The median Music program debt is $13,303. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,752. Set against $13,303 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 58% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Cuny Brooklyn College
The University Of Tennessee ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Based in Knoxville, TN, The University Of Tennessee is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,812, while out-of-state students pay about $33,256. Graduates carry a median of $23,453 in student loans. The University Of Tennessee alumni report median earnings of $60,249 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Tennessee admits about 42% of applicants. Read the full report on The University Of Tennessee
University Of South Carolina Columbia came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Based in Columbia, SC, University Of South Carolina Columbia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,688, while out-of-state students pay about $36,298. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. University Of South Carolina Columbia alumni report median earnings of $62,177 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Carolina Columbia admits about 60% of applicants. Get the full University Of South Carolina Columbia report
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Music students take on a median of $24,625 in debt. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign alumni report median earnings of $81,054 a decade after entry. Set against $24,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Set in Greensboro, NC, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,661, while out-of-state students pay about $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. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Greensboro report
Georgia State University landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Atlanta, GA. Students from in state pay about $8,664 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,840. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,384. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 55%. See the full Georgia State University profile
University Of Kentucky placed #36 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Based in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,502, compared with $34,140 for out-of-state students. The median Music program debt is $23,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,025. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Kentucky
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Based in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,398, with out-of-state students paying around $22,398. Students borrow a median of $25,750 to complete their Music program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,990. That is a strong return on a $25,750 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee admits about 91% of applicants. See the full University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee profile
Belhaven University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Belhaven University is a private not-for-profit school based in Jackson, MS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,250. The median Music program debt is $34,181. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,440. That is a strong return on a $34,181 median debt. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Belhaven University report
University Of Utah placed #39 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Set in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,620, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. Graduates carry a median of $16,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,170. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Utah admits about 86% of applicants. More on University Of Utah
Southern Methodist University placed #40 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dallas, TX. Students from in state pay about $67,040 in tuition and fees. Typical Music student debt is $18,417. Median earnings reach $78,354 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,417 median debt. The acceptance rate is 63%. Read the full report on Southern Methodist University
Arizona State University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Set in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Typical Music student debt is $21,504. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Set against $21,504 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants. Read more about Arizona State University
New York University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Set in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $62,796. Typical Music student debt is $25,000. New York University alumni report median earnings of $82,509 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. New York University has an acceptance rate of 9%. Get the full New York University report
Oberlin College came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Oberlin, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,366. Students borrow a median of $26,200 to complete their Music program here. Oberlin College alumni report median earnings of $58,343 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,200 median debt. Oberlin College has an acceptance rate of 34%. More on Oberlin College
University Of Missouri Kansas City ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Set in Kansas City, MO, University Of Missouri Kansas City is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,371, compared with $32,271 for out-of-state students. Typical Music student debt is $23,089. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,637. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. Get the full University Of Missouri Kansas City report
Western Michigan University placed #45 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Located in Kalamazoo, MI, Western Michigan University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,987, while out-of-state students pay about $19,952. The median Music program debt is $27,000. Western Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $53,562 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 85%. See the full Western Michigan University profile
Indiana University Bloomington landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,144, while out-of-state students pay about $41,891. Typical Music student debt is $20,769. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,742. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Bloomington admits about 78% of applicants. Read the full report on Indiana University Bloomington
University Of North Florida ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. University Of North Florida is a public school based in Jacksonville, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,964, compared with $19,407 for out-of-state students. University Of North Florida Music students take on a median of $20,188 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,343. Set against $20,188 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 53%. More on University Of North Florida
University Of Connecticut offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. This public school is set in Storrs, CT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,044, with out-of-state students paying around $43,712. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,997 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 52%. Read the full report on University Of Connecticut
Carnegie Mellon University came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit school based in Pittsburgh, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,636. The median Music program debt is $24,431. Median earnings reach $114,862 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Carnegie Mellon University has an acceptance rate of 12%. Get the full Carnegie Mellon University report
Columbia University In The City Of New York came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Located in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $70,517. The median Music program debt is $23,258. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $102,491. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 4%. Get the full Columbia University In The City Of New York report
Related Music Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Music Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Music Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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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