2026 Best Music Doctoral Degree Schools

#1

Duke University

Durham, NC

Leading the list is Duke University, our #1 Music school in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Durham, NC. About 97% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,758. Duke University Music students take on a median of $13,296 in debt. Read more about Duke University

#2

Cuny Graduate School And University Center

New York, NY

A rank of #2 makes Cuny Graduate School And University Center one of the top choices in the United States. Located in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,235 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,185. Graduates carry a median of $17,921 in student loans. More on Cuny Graduate School And University Center

#3

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI

Out of the 1375 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Michigan State University landed the #3 spot. Based 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 average $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,750 to complete their Music program here. Read the full report on Michigan State University

#4

Brandeis University

Waltham, MA

The strong Music programs at Brandeis University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Brandeis University is a private not-for-profit school based in Waltham, MA. Brandeis University graduates 86% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $68,080 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,653 in student loans. Read more about Brandeis University

#5

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL

A rank of #5 makes Northwestern University one of the top choices in the United States. Set in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,322. The median Music program debt is $18,166. See the full Northwestern University profile

#6

The University Of Texas At Austin

Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin did well this year, earning the #6 position. This public school is set in Austin, TX. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. More on The University Of Texas At Austin

#7

North Dakota State University Main Campus

Fargo, ND

North Dakota State University Main Campus ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best Music schools. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public school based in Fargo, ND. Roughly 64% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Students borrow a median of $25,153 to complete their Music program here. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report

#8

University Of California Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley did well this year, earning the #8 position. This public school is set in Berkeley, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 93%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Students borrow a median of $12,800 to complete their Music program here. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley

#9

University Of Virginia Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA

University Of Virginia Main Campus came in at #9 in this year's ranking. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public school based in Charlottesville, VA. About 96% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $23,118 in tuition and fees, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,131 to complete their Music program here. More on University Of Virginia Main Campus

#10

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA

James Madison University placed #10 among Music schools in the United States. Set in Harrisonburg, VA, James Madison University is a public institution. James Madison University posts a six-year graduation rate of 80%. In-state tuition and fees average $13,966, with out-of-state students paying around $31,312. The median Music program debt is $20,968. Read more about James Madison University

#11

Rice University

Houston, TX

Rice University placed #11 among Music schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Houston, TX. Rice University graduates 95% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $61,247 in tuition and fees. Typical Music student debt is $11,904. More on Rice University

#12

University Of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best Music schools. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. University Of Wisconsin Madison posts a six-year graduation rate of 90%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,813 in student loans. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report

#13

University Of California Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best Music schools. Based in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. About 93% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. The median Music program debt is $23,119. More on University Of California Los Angeles

#14

Columbia University In The City Of New York

New York, NY

Columbia University In The City Of New York came in at #14 in this year's ranking. Located in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. Columbia University In The City Of New York posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. In-state tuition and fees average $70,517. Students borrow a median of $23,258 to complete their Music program here. See the full Columbia University In The City Of New York profile

#15

University Of Rochester

Rochester, NY

University Of Rochester did well this year, earning the #15 position. Located in Rochester, NY, University Of Rochester is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $67,080 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,769 in student loans. More on University Of Rochester

#16

University Of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania placed #16 among Music schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. University Of Pennsylvania posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. Typical Music student debt is $16,155. Get the full University Of Pennsylvania report

#17

University Of Houston

Houston, TX

University Of Houston ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best Music schools. Located in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 65%. In-state tuition and fees average $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. Typical Music student debt is $26,000. Get the full University Of Houston report

#18

Washington University In St Louis

St. Louis, MO

Washington University In St Louis landed the #18 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in St. Louis, MO. Washington University In St Louis posts a six-year graduation rate of 94%. In-state tuition and fees average $65,790. The median Music program debt is $17,553. See the full Washington University In St Louis profile

#19

Texas Christian University

Fort Worth, TX

Texas Christian University did well this year, earning the #19 position. Set in Fort Worth, TX, Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Texas Christian University posts a six-year graduation rate of 85%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,740. Texas Christian University Music students take on a median of $23,500 in debt. Read more about Texas Christian University

#20

University Of Florida

Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best Music schools. Set in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. About 91% of students finish within six years. 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. More on University Of Florida

#21

University Of Iowa

Iowa City, IA

University Of Iowa landed the #21 spot in the United States this year. University Of Iowa is a public school based in Iowa City, IA. University Of Iowa graduates 75% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. University Of Iowa Music students take on a median of $27,783 in debt. More on University Of Iowa

#22

University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus

Pittsburgh, PA

University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best Music schools. Set in Pittsburgh, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $21,926, with out-of-state students paying around $41,430. The median Music program debt is $24,958. Read the full report on University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus

#23

Rutgers University New Brunswick

New Brunswick, NJ

Rutgers University New Brunswick came in at #23 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in New Brunswick, NJ. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,929, compared with $37,441 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Music program here. See the full Rutgers University New Brunswick profile

#24

University Of Nebraska Lincoln

Lincoln, NE

University Of Nebraska Lincoln ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best Music schools. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. About 67% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Typical Music student debt is $25,373. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln

#25

Catholic University Of America

Washington, DC

Catholic University Of America placed #25 among Music schools in the United States. Set in Washington, DC, Catholic University Of America is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,378. Typical Music student debt is $24,625. Read the full report on Catholic University Of America

#26

University Of California Irvine

Irvine, CA

University Of California Irvine did well this year, earning the #26 position. University Of California Irvine is a public school based in Irvine, CA. University Of California Irvine graduates 87% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $14,752, compared with $46,640 for out-of-state students. The median Music program debt is $16,539. See the full University Of California Irvine profile

#27

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL

Florida State University placed #27 among Music schools in the United States. This public school is set in Tallahassee, FL. About 86% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,517, while out-of-state students pay about $21,683. Students borrow a median of $23,992 to complete their Music program here. Get the full Florida State University report

#28

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill came in at #28 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Chapel Hill, NC. The six-year graduation rate is 91%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,994, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. Graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

#29

University Of Kentucky

Lexington, KY

University Of Kentucky came in at #29 in this year's ranking. Based in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. About 71% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,502, compared with $34,140 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. Read more about University Of Kentucky

#30

Ohio State University Main Campus

Columbus, OH

Ohio State University Main Campus placed #30 among Music schools in the United States. Set in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. Ohio State University Main Campus graduates 88% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,244, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read more about Ohio State University Main Campus

#31

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor came in at #31 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Ann Arbor, MI. The six-year graduation rate is 93%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,848, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. Graduates carry a median of $19,397 in student loans. Get the full University Of Michigan Ann Arbor report

#32

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best Music schools. Located in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Typical Music student debt is $24,625. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

#33

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University landed the #33 spot in the United States this year. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. Texas Tech University posts a six-year graduation rate of 69%. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Students borrow a median of $27,816 to complete their Music program here. See the full Texas Tech University profile

#34

Indiana University Bloomington

Bloomington, IN

Indiana University Bloomington landed the #34 spot in the United States this year. Set in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. Indiana University Bloomington graduates 80% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,144, while out-of-state students pay about $41,891. Students borrow a median of $20,769 to complete their Music program here. Get the full Indiana University Bloomington report

#35

New York University

New York, NY

New York University placed #35 among Music schools in the United States. New York University is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. The six-year graduation rate is 88%. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,796. The median Music program debt is $25,000. Get the full New York University report

#36

University Of Maryland College Park

College Park, MD

University Of Maryland College Park landed the #36 spot in the United States this year. Located in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. About 89% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. University Of Maryland College Park Music students take on a median of $21,614 in debt. See the full University Of Maryland College Park profile

#37

University Of Connecticut

Storrs, CT

University Of Connecticut came in at #37 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Storrs, CT. University Of Connecticut posts a six-year graduation rate of 83%. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,044, compared with $43,712 for out-of-state students. University Of Connecticut Music students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Read more about University Of Connecticut

#38

University Of California Davis

Davis, CA

University Of California Davis placed #38 among Music schools in the United States. Located in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. University Of California Davis posts a six-year graduation rate of 86%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,500 to complete their Music program here. Read the full report on University Of California Davis

#39

Ball State University

Muncie, IN

Ball State University did well this year, earning the #39 position. Set in Muncie, IN, Ball State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 62%. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,082, compared with $29,630 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,518 in student loans. More on Ball State University

#40

University Of California Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA

University Of California Santa Barbara came in at #40 in this year's ranking. Set in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. Roughly 83% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $15,444, compared with $47,332 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,501 to complete their Music program here. See the full University Of California Santa Barbara profile

#41

Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College

Baton Rouge, LA

Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College came in at #41 in this year's ranking. Set in Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public institution. About 66% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $11,954 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,631. Typical Music student debt is $19,455. See the full Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College profile

#42

University Of South Carolina Columbia

Columbia, SC

University Of South Carolina Columbia landed the #42 spot in the United States this year. Located in Columbia, SC, University Of South Carolina Columbia is a public institution. Roughly 79% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $12,688, compared with $36,298 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Music program here. Read more about University Of South Carolina Columbia

#43

University Of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA

University Of Southern California placed #43 among Music schools in the United States. University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit school based in Los Angeles, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 92%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,647. The median Music program debt is $20,976. Read more about University Of Southern California

#44

University Of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO

University Of Colorado Boulder did well this year, earning the #44 position. Based in Boulder, CO, University Of Colorado Boulder is a public institution. University Of Colorado Boulder graduates 74% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $15,214 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $42,970. Students borrow a median of $17,288 to complete their Music program here. Read the full report on University Of Colorado Boulder

#45

University Of Missouri Columbia

Columbia, MO

University Of Missouri Columbia ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best Music schools. University Of Missouri Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, MO. University Of Missouri Columbia graduates 75% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,837, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. University Of Missouri Columbia Music students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Read more about University Of Missouri Columbia

#46

Brown University

Providence, RI

Brown University came in at #46 in this year's ranking. Located in Providence, RI, Brown University is a private not-for-profit institution. Brown University posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,312. The median Music program debt is $13,025. Read the full report on Brown University

#47

University Of California San Diego

La Jolla, CA

University Of California San Diego came in at #47 in this year's ranking. University Of California San Diego is a public school based in La Jolla, CA. University Of California San Diego graduates 86% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $15,788 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. Graduates carry a median of $18,938 in student loans. More on University Of California San Diego

#48

The University Of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL

The University Of Alabama landed the #48 spot in the United States this year. Located in Tuscaloosa, AL, The University Of Alabama is a public institution. The University Of Alabama graduates 73% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,180, compared with $34,172 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,675 to complete their Music program here. More on The University Of Alabama

#49

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA

George Mason University placed #49 among Music schools in the United States. George Mason University is a public school based in Fairfax, VA. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $14,220, with out-of-state students paying around $38,688. Students borrow a median of $24,048 to complete their Music program here. Read the full report on George Mason University

#50

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD

Johns Hopkins University did well this year, earning the #50 position. Based in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. Johns Hopkins University graduates 94% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $64,730. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Music program here. Get the full Johns Hopkins University report