2026 Best Music Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best Music bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1375 colleges by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor reviewed schools to compile this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Music Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools:
Leading the list is University Of Notre Dame, our #1 Music school in the United States. Located in Notre Dame, IN, University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,025. University Of Notre Dame Music students take on a median of $19,891 in debt. More on University Of Notre Dame
You'll be in good company at Duke University, which ranked #2 this year. Based in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 97%. Students from in state pay about $68,758 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $13,296 in student loans. Get the full Duke University report
The strong Music programs at Lafayette College earned it the #3 place in the United States. Set in Easton, PA, Lafayette College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 88%. In-state tuition and fees average $64,648. The median Music program debt is $16,931. Get the full Lafayette College report
College Of The Holy Cross came in at #4 on this year's Music ranking in the United States. Set in Worcester, MA, College Of The Holy Cross is a private not-for-profit institution. About 87% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $64,500 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,387 to complete their Music program here. See the full College Of The Holy Cross profile
The strong Music programs at Dartmouth College earned it the #5 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Hanover, NH. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. Students from in state pay about $68,019 in tuition and fees. Typical Music student debt is $16,989. Read the full report on Dartmouth College
Emory University placed #6 among Music schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Atlanta, GA. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $64,280 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $13,000 to complete their Music program here. More on Emory University
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo did well this year, earning the #7 position. Based in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo posts a six-year graduation rate of 86%. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,161, while out-of-state students pay about $33,230. Graduates carry a median of $19,273 in student loans. Read the full report on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
Northwestern University landed the #8 spot in the United States this year. Based in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. In-state tuition and fees average $68,322. Graduates carry a median of $18,166 in student loans. Read more about Northwestern University
The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #9 spot in the United States this year. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. The median Music program debt is $26,000. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best Music schools. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public school based in Blacksburg, VA. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. The median Music program debt is $27,000. See the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University profile
Brandeis University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best Music schools. Based in Waltham, MA, Brandeis University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,080. Graduates carry a median of $25,653 in student loans. See the full Brandeis University profile
Winona State University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best Music schools. Winona State University is a public school based in Winona, MN. The six-year graduation rate is 56%. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,576, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. Winona State University Music students take on a median of $24,551 in debt. Read the full report on Winona State University
Moravian College And Moravian Theological Seminary came in at #13 in this year's ranking. Moravian College And Moravian Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit school based in Bethlehem, PA. About 72% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,500. Students borrow a median of $26,857 to complete their Music program here. Read more about Moravian College And Moravian Theological Seminary
Luther College did well this year, earning the #14 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Decorah, IA. The six-year graduation rate is 71%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,120. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. More on Luther College
North Dakota State University Main Campus ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best Music schools. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Roughly 64% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. Typical Music student debt is $25,153. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report
Texas A And M University Kingsville did well this year, earning the #16 position. This public school is set in Kingsville, TX. About 42% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,892, compared with $25,746 for out-of-state students. Texas A And M University Kingsville Music students take on a median of $31,000 in debt. Get the full Texas A And M University Kingsville report
University Of California Berkeley landed the #17 spot in the United States this year. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. About 93% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. University Of California Berkeley Music students take on a median of $12,800 in debt. Read more about University Of California Berkeley
Messiah College ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best Music schools. Based in Mechanicsburg, PA, Messiah College is a private not-for-profit institution. About 75% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $42,240. Typical Music student debt is $25,965. Get the full Messiah College report
The University Of Texas Pan American came in at #19 in this year's ranking. The University Of Texas Pan American is a public school based in Edinburg, TX. The University Of Texas Pan American posts a six-year graduation rate of 51%. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,799, while out-of-state students pay about $19,645. Graduates carry a median of $20,920 in student loans. See the full The University Of Texas Pan American profile
Concordia College At Moorhead did well this year, earning the #20 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Moorhead, MN. Roughly 61% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,170. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Music program here. See the full Concordia College At Moorhead profile
Drake University placed #21 among Music schools in the United States. Based in Des Moines, IA, Drake University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 73% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $51,960 in tuition and fees. Typical Music student debt is $22,273. See the full Drake University profile
University Of Houston ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best Music schools. Set in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. About 65% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. University Of Houston Music students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. See the full University Of Houston profile
Texas Tech University did well this year, earning the #23 position. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Texas Tech University posts a six-year graduation rate of 69%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. The median Music program debt is $27,816. Get the full Texas Tech University report
Washington University In St Louis placed #24 among Music schools in the United States. Set in St. Louis, MO, Washington University In St Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. About 94% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,790. Graduates carry a median of $17,553 in student loans. Read more about Washington University In St Louis
The College Of New Jersey landed the #25 spot in the United States this year. Based in Ewing, NJ, The College Of New Jersey is a public institution. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,632, with out-of-state students paying around $25,752. Graduates carry a median of $24,429 in student loans. See the full The College Of New Jersey profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best Music Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s ranking:
Michigan State University did well this year, earning the #26 position. Located in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. Michigan State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 81%. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Michigan State University Music students take on a median of $26,750 in debt. More on Michigan State University
Columbia University In The City Of New York ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best Music schools. Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. About 96% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $70,517. Graduates carry a median of $23,258 in student loans. More on Columbia University In The City Of New York
St Marys College Of Maryland did well this year, earning the #28 position. Based in St. Mary's City, MD, St Marys College Of Maryland is a public institution. Roughly 70% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,298, with out-of-state students paying around $31,374. Typical Music student debt is $22,655. More on St Marys College Of Maryland
James Madison University placed #29 among Music schools in the United States. Set in Harrisonburg, VA, James Madison University is a public institution. James Madison University graduates 80% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,966, while out-of-state students pay about $31,312. The median Music program debt is $20,968. Get the full James Madison University report
University Of Virginia Main Campus ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best Music schools. Based in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. About 96% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. Graduates carry a median of $18,131 in student loans. More on University Of Virginia Main Campus
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania came in at #31 in this year's ranking. Set in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania posts a six-year graduation rate of 70%. Students from in state pay about $10,775 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,599. More on West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
The University Of Texas At El Paso did well this year, earning the #32 position. This public school is set in El Paso, TX. About 50% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,544, with out-of-state students paying around $25,502. The University Of Texas At El Paso Music students take on a median of $14,612 in debt. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At El Paso
Skidmore College did well this year, earning the #33 position. Skidmore College is a private not-for-profit school based in Saratoga Springs, NY. The six-year graduation rate is 83%. Students from in state pay about $67,140 in tuition and fees. Skidmore College Music students take on a median of $18,274 in debt. Get the full Skidmore College report
University Of Wisconsin Madison did well this year, earning the #34 position. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. University Of Wisconsin Madison posts a six-year graduation rate of 90%. 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. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report
Williams College placed #35 among Music schools in the United States. Williams College is a private not-for-profit school based in Williamstown, MA. About 94% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $68,560. Students borrow a median of $12,615 to complete their Music program here. Read more about Williams College
Vanderbilt University placed #36 among Music schools in the United States. Based in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. Vanderbilt University posts a six-year graduation rate of 94%. Students from in state pay about $67,498 in tuition and fees. The median Music program debt is $21,500. Read more about Vanderbilt University
Kansas State University placed #37 among Music schools in the United States. Based in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. Kansas State University graduates 71% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Typical Music student debt is $23,546. Get the full Kansas State University report
Boston College placed #38 among Music schools in the United States. Boston College is a private not-for-profit school based in Chestnut Hill, MA. The six-year graduation rate is 91%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,702. Graduates carry a median of $18,101 in student loans. See the full Boston College profile
Carnegie Mellon University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best Music schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. About 94% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $65,636 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $24,431 in student loans. Get the full Carnegie Mellon University report
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater landed the #40 spot in the United States this year. Set in Whitewater, WI, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 63%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,616, compared with $18,716 for out-of-state students. Typical Music student debt is $27,000. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Whitewater
University Of Pennsylvania landed the #41 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,686. Graduates carry a median of $16,155 in student loans. Read more about University Of Pennsylvania
Oklahoma State University Main Campus placed #42 among Music schools in the United States. Based in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. About 68% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,110, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Graduates carry a median of $22,337 in student loans. Get the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus report
West Texas A And M University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best Music schools. West Texas A And M University is a public school based in Canyon, TX. Roughly 48% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,101, with out-of-state students paying around $10,996. Students borrow a median of $24,750 to complete their Music program here. More on West Texas A And M University
University Of Tulsa did well this year, earning the #44 position. Located in Tulsa, OK, University Of Tulsa is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 72%. In-state tuition and fees average $49,546. Typical Music student debt is $21,500. See the full University Of Tulsa profile
Truman State University placed #45 among Music schools in the United States. Set in Kirksville, MO, Truman State University is a public institution. Truman State University graduates 68% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,838, with out-of-state students paying around $18,566. Typical Music student debt is $23,168. Get the full Truman State University report
Hamline University came in at #46 in this year's ranking. Hamline University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. Hamline University graduates 60% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $50,004 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,530 in student loans. Get the full Hamline University report
Depauw University did well this year, earning the #47 position. Based in Greencastle, IN, Depauw University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $59,070. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read more about Depauw University
Wellesley College landed the #48 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Wellesley, MA. About 92% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,176. The median Music program debt is $11,075. See the full Wellesley College profile
Rice University landed the #49 spot in the United States this year. Based in Houston, TX, Rice University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,247. Typical Music student debt is $11,904. Read more about Rice University
Wheaton College Illinois landed the #50 spot in the United States this year. Set in Wheaton, IL, Wheaton College Illinois is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. Students from in state pay about $45,546 in tuition and fees. Wheaton College Illinois Music students take on a median of $24,556 in debt. Get the full Wheaton College Illinois report
Related Music Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Music Schools (All Levels)
- Best Music Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Music Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Music Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Music Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Music Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Music Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · 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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