2026 Best Value Music Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Music master’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1375 schools 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 arm you with the information you need, Grad Degree reviewed schools to build 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Columbia College Chicago earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,088. Typical Music student debt is $27,000. 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. Get the full Columbia College Chicago report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at West Texas A And M University earned it the #2 place in the United States. Located in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,101, with out-of-state students paying around $10,996. Graduates carry a median of $24,750 in student loans. A decade after starting, 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. Get the full West Texas A And M University report
Messiah College came in at #3 on this year's best-value Music ranking in the United States. Located in Mechanicsburg, PA, Messiah College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $42,240. Students borrow a median of $25,965 to complete their Music program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,064 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,965 median debt. The acceptance rate is 79%. Get the full Messiah College report
A rank of #4 makes Truman State University one of the best values in the United States. Based in Kirksville, MO, Truman State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,838, while out-of-state students pay about $18,566. Typical Music student debt is $23,168. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,280 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,168 median debt. Truman State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. Read more about 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. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Students borrow a median of $25,153 to complete their Music program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,203. Set against $25,153 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus
Youngstown State University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Youngstown State University is a public school based in Youngstown, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,926, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. The median Music program debt is $26,373. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,544. That is a strong return on a $26,373 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read more about Youngstown State University
Lindenwood University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Set in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,600. Lindenwood University Music students take on a median of $28,663 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,278. That is a strong return on a $28,663 median debt. Lindenwood University has an acceptance rate of 57%. More on Lindenwood University
Brigham Young University Provo placed #8 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Students borrow a median of $10,460 to complete their Music program here. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. Set against $10,460 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo
Texas A And M University Kingsville landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Kingsville, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,892 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,746. Texas A And M University Kingsville Music students take on a median of $31,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,450. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Texas A And M University Kingsville report
University Of Nebraska At Kearney landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Located 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. Graduates carry a median of $22,173 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,105. That is a strong return on a $22,173 median debt. University Of Nebraska At Kearney admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full University Of Nebraska At Kearney report
University Of South Dakota placed #11 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Located in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,432 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,942 for out-of-state students. The median Music program debt is $26,322. Median earnings reach $51,926 ten years out. Set against $26,322 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read more about University Of South Dakota
The University Of Texas Pan American ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Set in Edinburg, TX, The University Of Texas Pan American is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,799, with out-of-state students paying around $19,645. Typical Music student debt is $20,920. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,620. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about The University Of Texas Pan American
Sam Houston State University placed #13 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. This public school is set in Huntsville, TX. 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. Median earnings reach $54,211 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Sam Houston State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on Sam Houston State University
Western Illinois University placed #14 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. This public school is set in Macomb, IL. Students from in state pay about $14,572 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $30,000 to complete their Music program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,163. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%. Get the full Western Illinois University report
University Of Central Arkansas came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Set in Conway, AR, University Of Central Arkansas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,523, compared with $18,023 for out-of-state students. University Of Central Arkansas Music students take on a median of $29,139 in debt. Median earnings reach $45,938 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Central Arkansas
Liberty University placed #16 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,173. Typical Music student debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Liberty University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Located in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. Graduates carry a median of $23,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,346. Set against $23,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. See the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville profile
Texas A And M University Commerce landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Commerce, TX, Texas A And M University Commerce is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,026, while out-of-state students pay about $22,326. Students borrow a median of $27,101 to complete their Music program here. Texas A And M University Commerce alumni report median earnings of $50,296 a decade after entry. Set against $27,101 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%. See the full Texas A And M University Commerce profile
The University Of Texas At El Paso placed #19 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Set in El Paso, TX, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,544, compared with $25,502 for out-of-state students. The University Of Texas At El Paso Music students take on a median of $14,612 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,923. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 100%. More on The University Of Texas At El Paso
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Based in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,775 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,599. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,258. The acceptance rate is 78%. Get the full West Chester University Of Pennsylvania report
Texas Womans University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Texas Womans University is a public school based in Denton, TX. Students from in state pay about $8,640 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,480. Texas Womans University Music students take on a median of $25,810 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,544 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Womans University has an acceptance rate of 96%. Get the full Texas Womans University report
Converse College landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Spartanburg, SC, Converse College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,240. Converse College Music students take on a median of $26,715 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,867. Set against $26,715 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Converse College has an acceptance rate of 68%. More on Converse College
Cuny Graduate School And University Center landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,235, with out-of-state students paying around $15,185. The median Music program debt is $17,921. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,991. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center profile
Morehead State University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Set in Morehead, KY, Morehead State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,024, compared with $14,980 for out-of-state students. The median Music program debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $43,197 ten years out. 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 offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Located in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Typical Music student debt is $20,500. Median earnings reach $62,117 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Illinois State University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Music Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Montclair State University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. This public school is set in Montclair, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $15,912, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. Montclair State University Music students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,415. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Montclair State University admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Montclair State University
University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Graduates carry a median of $25,373 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. 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
University Of Southern Mississippi came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Located in Hattiesburg, MS, University Of Southern Mississippi is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,998, with out-of-state students paying around $11,998. Graduates carry a median of $25,415 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,140 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,415 median debt. University Of Southern Mississippi has an acceptance rate of 99%. See the full University Of Southern Mississippi profile
Arkansas State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public school based in Jonesboro, AR. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,090, with out-of-state students paying around $14,522. The median Music program debt is $23,399. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,617 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. More on Arkansas State University Main Campus
Missouri State University Springfield offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. This public school is set in Springfield, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Graduates carry a median of $24,408 in student loans. Missouri State University Springfield alumni report median earnings of $49,827 a decade after entry. Set against $24,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read more about Missouri State University Springfield
Kansas State University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Kansas State University is a public school based in Manhattan, KS. Students from in state pay about $11,221 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Typical Music student debt is $23,546. 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. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. See the full Kansas State University profile
Northern Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Set in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. Students borrow a median of $29,000 to complete their Music program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 70%. Get the full Northern Illinois University report
Texas Tech University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Students borrow a median of $27,816 to complete their Music program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Tech University has an acceptance rate of 73%. Read more about Texas Tech University
Stephen F Austin State University placed #34 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Stephen F Austin State University is a public school based in Nacogdoches, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,128, while out-of-state students pay about $20,968. The median Music program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,634. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Stephen F Austin State University profile
Mississippi College landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Clinton, MS. Students from in state pay about $23,500 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,510 to complete their Music program here. 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%. Read the full report on Mississippi College
Azusa Pacific University placed #36 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Located in Azusa, CA, Azusa Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $44,458 in tuition and fees. The median Music program debt is $22,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,677. Set against $22,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Azusa Pacific University admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Azusa Pacific University
University Of Wyoming offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. This public school is set in Laramie, WY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,768, compared with $24,178 for out-of-state students. University Of Wyoming Music students take on a median of $20,283 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,880 ten years out. Set against $20,283 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 97%. Get the full University Of Wyoming report
University Of Delaware placed #38 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Based in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,334 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,950 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,334 median debt. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Delaware
San Jose State University landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in San Jose, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,988 ten years after entry. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read the full report on San Jose State University
Eastern Illinois University landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Charleston, IL, Eastern Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,377 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,859. Eastern Illinois University Music students take on a median of $26,300 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,989. Set against $26,300 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Eastern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 65%. Read more about Eastern Illinois University
University Of Nebraska At Omaha placed #41 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public school based in Omaha, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,718, with out-of-state students paying around $23,206. Typical Music student debt is $21,783. University Of Nebraska At Omaha alumni report median earnings of $53,909 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,783 median debt. University Of Nebraska At Omaha has an acceptance rate of 87%. Read more about University Of Nebraska At Omaha
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. Students from in state pay about $10,320 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,230. Students borrow a median of $20,379 to complete their Music program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,795 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Eastern Kentucky University
University Of Akron Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. University Of Akron Main Campus is a public school based in Akron, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. Students borrow a median of $25,062 to complete their Music program here. Median earnings reach $46,600 ten years out. Set against $25,062 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Akron Main Campus profile
Oklahoma City University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Oklahoma City University is a private not-for-profit school based in Oklahoma City, OK. Students from in state pay about $34,754 in tuition and fees. The median Music program debt is $26,456. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,655. That is a strong return on a $26,456 median debt. Oklahoma City University has an acceptance rate of 77%. See the full Oklahoma City University profile
Rowan University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Glassboro, NJ, Rowan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,574, while out-of-state students pay about $26,932. Graduates carry a median of $26,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $59,988 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,500 median debt. Rowan University has an acceptance rate of 78%. More on Rowan University
University Of Northern Iowa landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Northern Iowa is a public school based in Cedar Falls, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,936, with out-of-state students paying around $21,712. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,177. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. University Of Northern Iowa admits about 93% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Northern Iowa
Indiana State University offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Located in Terre Haute, IN, Indiana State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,258 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,322. Typical Music student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,387. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Indiana State University admits about 81% of applicants. More on Indiana State University
Lee University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cleveland, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,790. Graduates carry a median of $28,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,222. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Lee University
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Located in Indiana, PA, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,380, compared with $16,297 for out-of-state students. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus Music students take on a median of $27,956 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,019. That is a strong return on a $27,956 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. See the full Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus profile
Oklahoma State University Main Campus ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Located in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,110 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. Graduates carry a median of $22,337 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,413. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Oklahoma State University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. Get the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus report
Related Music Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Music Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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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