2026 Best Value Music Schools
Looking for the best-value Music programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 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 help you make your decision, Course Advisor reviewed 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 Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found Collin County Community College District to be the best-value Music school in the United States. Located in McKinney, TX, Collin County Community College District is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,014, with out-of-state students paying around $6,064. Students borrow a median of $9,716 to complete their Music program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,701 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,716 median debt. Read more about Collin County Community College District
A rank of #2 makes Valencia College one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Orlando, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,664, with out-of-state students paying around $9,576. Valencia College Music students take on a median of $10,575 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,594 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Valencia College
You'll get strong value at Brigham Young University Idaho, which ranked #3 this year. Set in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,800. Graduates carry a median of $13,541 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,406 ten years out. Set against $13,541 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%. More on Brigham Young University Idaho
You'll get strong value at Brigham Young University Provo, which ranked #4 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Typical Music student debt is $10,460. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. Set against $10,460 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Century College earned it the #5 place in the United States. Located in White Bear Lake, MN, Century College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,214 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $21,332 to complete their Music program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,424. Set against $21,332 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Century College
West Texas A And M University placed #6 among the best-value Music schools 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,741 ten years after entry. Set against $24,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. West Texas A And M University admits about 99% of applicants. More on West Texas A And M University
Messiah College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Based in Mechanicsburg, PA, Messiah College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,240. Graduates carry a median of $25,965 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,064 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,965 median debt. Messiah College admits about 79% of applicants. See the full Messiah College profile
Milwaukee Area Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,184 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,427 for out-of-state students. The median Music program debt is $18,296. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,113. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Milwaukee Area Technical College report
Finger Lakes Community College placed #9 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Finger Lakes Community College is a public school based in Canandaigua, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,258, while out-of-state students pay about $8,442. Students borrow a median of $16,736 to complete their Music program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,054. Set against $16,736 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Finger Lakes Community College profile
El Centro College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. El Centro College is a public school based in Dallas, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,730 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,900. Students borrow a median of $14,557 to complete their Music program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,714 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,557 median debt. More on El Centro College
John Tyler Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Set in Chester, VA, John Tyler Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,082, while out-of-state students pay about $11,520. Graduates carry a median of $11,262 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,223 ten years after entry. Set against $11,262 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about John Tyler Community College
Spokane Falls Community College placed #12 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Spokane Falls Community College is a public school based in Spokane, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,461, while out-of-state students pay about $6,612. Typical Music student debt is $17,031. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,955. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Spokane Falls Community College report
North Dakota State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Based in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Typical Music student debt is $25,153. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,203. Set against $25,153 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report
University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras placed #14 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Set in San Juan, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,324 in tuition and fees. The median Music program debt is $5,673. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,723. That is a strong return on a $5,673 median debt. University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras admits about 55% of applicants. See the full University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras profile
Cuny Laguardia Community College came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Set in Long Island City, NY, Cuny Laguardia Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,218, while out-of-state students pay about $8,098. Graduates carry a median of $8,858 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,653 ten years after entry. Set against $8,858 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Cuny Laguardia Community College
Winona State University placed #16 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Winona State University is a public school based in Winona, MN. Students from in state pay about $10,576 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. Typical Music student debt is $24,551. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,532. That is a strong return on a $24,551 median debt. Winona State University admits about 76% of applicants. Read more about Winona State University
Youngstown State University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Located in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Youngstown State University Music students take on a median of $26,373 in debt. Youngstown State University alumni report median earnings of $41,544 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,373 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Youngstown State University
Scottsdale Community College landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Scottsdale Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Graduates carry a median of $13,084 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,905. Set against $13,084 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Scottsdale Community College report
Western Carolina University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Set in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,630, while out-of-state students pay about $8,630. The median Music program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,458. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Western Carolina University
Truman State University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Kirksville, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,838, while out-of-state students pay about $18,566. Typical Music student debt is $23,168. Median earnings reach $56,280 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%. See the full Truman State University profile
University Of South Dakota came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Located in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,432, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. University Of South Dakota Music students take on a median of $26,322 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,926 ten years after entry. Set against $26,322 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Dakota admits about 99% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of South Dakota
Macomb Community College placed #22 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. This public school is set in Warren, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,660, while out-of-state students pay about $8,370. Students borrow a median of $9,862 to complete their Music program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,596. That is a strong return on a $9,862 median debt. Read the full report on Macomb Community College
Sinclair Community College placed #23 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Sinclair Community College is a public school based in Dayton, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,675, while out-of-state students pay about $8,556. The median Music program debt is $12,525. Sinclair Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,558 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Sinclair Community College
University Of Nebraska At Kearney offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Located in Kearney, NE, University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,564, with out-of-state students paying around $16,484. Typical Music student debt is $22,173. University Of Nebraska At Kearney alumni report median earnings of $50,105 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,173 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full University Of Nebraska At Kearney profile
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania placed #25 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Set in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,568, compared with $14,676 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,032. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Music Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
South Dakota State University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. This public school is set in Brookings, SD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. The median Music program debt is $24,989. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,070 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. See the full South Dakota State University profile
Western Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. This public school is set in Macomb, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $14,572. The median Music program debt is $30,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,163. That is a strong return on a $30,000 median debt. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Western Illinois University report
Cuny Graduate School And University Center offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Set 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, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,921 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,991 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,921 median debt. Cuny Graduate School And University Center admits about 68% of applicants. Read more about Cuny Graduate School And University Center
Columbia College Chicago ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Set in Chicago, IL, Columbia College Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,088. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Music program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,195. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on Columbia College Chicago
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Based in Whitewater, WI, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,616, while out-of-state students pay about $18,716. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Music program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,356 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Whitewater report
Holyoke Community College placed #31 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Set in Holyoke, MA, Holyoke Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,988, with out-of-state students paying around $10,932. The median Music program debt is $9,763. Median earnings reach $37,277 ten years out. Set against $9,763 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Holyoke Community College
The University Of Texas Pan American placed #32 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. This public school is set in Edinburg, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,799, with out-of-state students paying around $19,645. Graduates carry a median of $20,920 in student loans. 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 the full report on The University Of Texas Pan American
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire placed #33 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. This public school is set in Eau Claire, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $9,642, with out-of-state students paying around $19,228. Students borrow a median of $26,637 to complete their Music program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,561. Set against $26,637 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire profile
University Of Southern Mississippi placed #34 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. University Of Southern Mississippi is a public school based in Hattiesburg, MS. Students from in state pay about $9,998 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,998 for out-of-state students. The median Music program debt is $25,415. University Of Southern Mississippi alumni report median earnings of $44,140 a decade after entry. Set against $25,415 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read more about University Of Southern Mississippi
University Of Central Arkansas ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,938. That is a strong return on a $29,139 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read more about University Of Central Arkansas
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Based in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,092. Graduates carry a median of $23,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,346. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
University Of North Carolina At Pembroke ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Located in Pembroke, NC, University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,648, compared with $7,648 for out-of-state students. The median Music program debt is $27,089. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke alumni report median earnings of $43,407 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,089 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke admits about 93% of applicants. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Pembroke
Sam Houston State University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. This public school is set in Huntsville, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,228, with out-of-state students paying around $19,068. Sam Houston State University Music students take on a median of $28,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,211. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Sam Houston State University profile
Eastern Illinois University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Based in Charleston, IL, Eastern Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,377 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,859 for out-of-state students. The median Music program debt is $26,300. A decade after starting, 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
Northern Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. Northern Illinois University Music students take on a median of $29,000 in debt. Northern Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $57,808 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,000 median debt. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. More on Northern Illinois University
Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Set in New York, NY, Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,170, with out-of-state students paying around $8,050. Typical Music student debt is $8,794. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,306. That is a strong return on a $8,794 median debt. More on Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College
Austin Community College District ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Located in Austin, TX, Austin Community College District is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,550 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,590. Austin Community College District Music students take on a median of $14,519 in debt. Austin Community College District alumni report median earnings of $43,177 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,519 median debt. Read the full report on Austin Community College District
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Stevens Point, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,228, while out-of-state students pay about $18,248. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point Music students take on a median of $24,850 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,021 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,850 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point profile
Northwest College offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Based in Powell, WY, Northwest College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,962, with out-of-state students paying around $11,262. Students borrow a median of $12,996 to complete their Music program here. Median earnings reach $36,950 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,996 median debt. Read the full report on Northwest College
Lindenwood University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Set in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,600. Graduates carry a median of $28,663 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,278. Set against $28,663 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. See the full Lindenwood University profile
Arkansas State University Main Campus placed #46 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public school based in Jonesboro, AR. Students from in state pay about $8,090 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,522. Graduates carry a median of $23,399 in student loans. Arkansas State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $42,617 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arkansas State University Main Campus admits about 82% of applicants. Get the full Arkansas State University Main Campus report
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh placed #47 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. This public school is set in Oshkosh, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,532, with out-of-state students paying around $16,446. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh Music students take on a median of $24,619 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,548. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh admits about 86% of applicants. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Liberty University landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,173. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Music program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,813 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Liberty University admits about 99% of applicants. Get the full Liberty University report
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public school based in San Luis Obispo, CA. Students from in state pay about $12,161 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. Students borrow a median of $19,273 to complete their Music program here. Median earnings reach $90,768 ten years out. Set against $19,273 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 31% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse placed #50 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. This public school is set in La Crosse, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,070, while out-of-state students pay about $19,517. Students borrow a median of $23,551 to complete their Music program here. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse alumni report median earnings of $60,378 a decade after entry. Set against $23,551 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin La Crosse
Best Value Music Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- 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 Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Music Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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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