2026 Best Value Music Bachelor’s Degree Schools

#1

Brigham Young University Provo

Provo, UT

Our analysis found Brigham Young University Provo to be the best-value Music school in the United States. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. The median Music program debt is $10,460. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,460 median debt. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo

#2

Brigham Young University Idaho

Rexburg, ID

You'll get strong value at Brigham Young University Idaho, which ranked #2 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. Brigham Young University Idaho Music students take on a median of $13,541 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,406 ten years after entry. Set against $13,541 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%. Get the full Brigham Young University Idaho report

#3

West Texas A And M University

Canyon, TX

You'll get strong value at West Texas A And M University, which ranked #3 this year. This public school is set in Canyon, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,101, compared with $10,996 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,750 to complete their Music program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,741. That is a strong return on a $24,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. More on West Texas A And M University

#4

North Dakota State University Main Campus

Fargo, ND

Out of the 1375 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, North Dakota State University Main Campus landed the #4 spot. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public school based in Fargo, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. The median Music program debt is $25,153. North Dakota State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $62,203 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Dakota State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus

#5

University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras

San Juan, PR

You'll get strong value at University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras, which ranked #5 this year. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,723. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 55%. Get the full University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras report

#6

Winona State University

Winona, MN

Winona State University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,576, compared with $17,308 for out-of-state students. Winona State University Music students take on a median of $24,551 in debt. Median earnings reach $58,532 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Winona State University report

#7

Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC

Western Carolina University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. This public school is set in Cullowhee, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,630, while out-of-state students pay about $8,630. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Music program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,458. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Carolina University admits about 82% of applicants. Read more about Western Carolina University

#8

University Of South Dakota

Vermillion, SD

University Of South Dakota ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Based in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,432, compared with $12,942 for out-of-state students. University Of South Dakota Music students take on a median of $26,322 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,926. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Dakota admits about 99% of applicants. See the full University Of South Dakota profile

#9

Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania

Slippery Rock, PA

Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Based in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,568, while out-of-state students pay about $14,676. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Music program here. Median earnings reach $53,032 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania

#10

South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD

South Dakota State University placed #10 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. This public school is set in Brookings, SD. Students from in state pay about $9,299 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,989 to complete their Music program here. South Dakota State University alumni report median earnings of $55,070 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,989 median debt. South Dakota State University has an acceptance rate of 98%. See the full South Dakota State University profile

#11

Western Illinois University

Macomb, IL

Western Illinois University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,572. The median Music program debt is $30,000. A decade after starting, 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

#12

Youngstown State University

Youngstown, OH

Youngstown State University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Youngstown State University is a public school based in Youngstown, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,926, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Youngstown State University Music students take on a median of $26,373 in debt. Median earnings reach $41,544 ten years out. Set against $26,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Youngstown State University

#13

University Of Nebraska At Kearney

Kearney, NE

University Of Nebraska At Kearney came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public school based in Kearney, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,564, while out-of-state students pay about $16,484. Graduates carry a median of $22,173 in student loans. Median earnings reach $50,105 ten years out. Set against $22,173 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on University Of Nebraska At Kearney

#14

University Of Wisconsin Whitewater

Whitewater, WI

University Of Wisconsin Whitewater landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Whitewater, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,616, with out-of-state students paying around $18,716. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,356 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Whitewater report

#15

Truman State University

Kirksville, MO

Truman State University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. This public school is set in Kirksville, MO. Students from in state pay about $9,838 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,566 for out-of-state students. Truman State University Music students take on a median of $23,168 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,280 ten years out. Set against $23,168 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Truman State University

#15

Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, IL

Eastern Illinois University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Set in Charleston, IL, Eastern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,377, compared with $15,859 for out-of-state students. Eastern Illinois University Music students take on a median of $26,300 in debt. Eastern Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $51,989 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Eastern Illinois University

#17

The University Of Texas Pan American

Edinburg, TX

The University Of Texas Pan American placed #17 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Located in Edinburg, TX, The University Of Texas Pan American is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,799, with out-of-state students paying around $19,645. Students borrow a median of $20,920 to complete their Music program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,620 ten years after entry. Set against $20,920 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas Pan American admits about 94% of applicants. See the full The University Of Texas Pan American profile

#18

University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire

Eau Claire, WI

University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public school based in Eau Claire, WI. Students from in state pay about $9,642 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,228. Students borrow a median of $26,637 to complete their Music program here. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire alumni report median earnings of $58,561 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,637 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire

#19

University Of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, MS

University Of Southern Mississippi placed #19 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, with out-of-state students paying around $11,998. Typical Music student debt is $25,415. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,140. Set against $25,415 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Southern Mississippi admits about 99% of applicants. More on University Of Southern Mississippi

#20

University Of North Carolina At Pembroke

Pembroke, NC

University Of North Carolina At Pembroke came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Based in Pembroke, NC, University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,648, while out-of-state students pay about $7,648. Students borrow a median of $27,089 to complete their Music program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,407. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke admits about 93% of applicants. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Pembroke

#21

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL

Northern Illinois University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Set in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $29,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,808 ten years out. Set against $29,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. See the full Northern Illinois University profile

#22

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Edwardsville, IL

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public school based in Edwardsville, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. Students borrow a median of $23,500 to complete their Music program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,346. Set against $23,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville admits about 98% of applicants. More on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

#23

University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point

Stevens Point, WI

University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Stevens Point, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,228, while out-of-state students pay about $18,248. Students borrow a median of $24,850 to complete their Music program here. Median earnings reach $52,021 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point profile

#24

University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh

Oshkosh, WI

University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. 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. Graduates carry a median of $24,619 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,548. Set against $24,619 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh profile

#25

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. This public school is set in San Luis Obispo, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,161, while out-of-state students pay about $33,230. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo Music students take on a median of $19,273 in debt. Median earnings reach $90,768 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 31% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo

#26

Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, TX

Sam Houston State University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Located in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,228, with out-of-state students paying around $19,068. The median Music program debt is $28,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,211. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. Sam Houston State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about Sam Houston State University

#27

University Of Wisconsin La Crosse

La Crosse, WI

University Of Wisconsin La Crosse offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Located in La Crosse, WI, University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,070, with out-of-state students paying around $19,517. Students borrow a median of $23,551 to complete their Music program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,378. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin La Crosse

#28

University Of Wisconsin River Falls

River Falls, WI

University Of Wisconsin River Falls offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public school based in River Falls, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,008, with out-of-state students paying around $17,470. University Of Wisconsin River Falls Music students take on a median of $24,245 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,458 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,245 median debt. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin River Falls report

#29

Arkansas State University Main Campus

Jonesboro, AR

Arkansas State University Main Campus ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Set in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,090, with out-of-state students paying around $14,522. Students borrow a median of $23,399 to complete their Music program here. Arkansas State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $42,617 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,399 median debt. Arkansas State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on Arkansas State University Main Campus

#30

University Of Akron Main Campus

Akron, OH

University Of Akron Main Campus ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Located in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. The median Music program debt is $25,062. University Of Akron Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $46,600 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,062 median debt. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Akron Main Campus profile

#30

University Of Houston

Houston, TX

University Of Houston ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. This public school is set in Houston, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Music program here. Median earnings reach $62,377 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Houston

#32

University Of Central Arkansas

Conway, AR

University Of Central Arkansas came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Based in Conway, AR, University Of Central Arkansas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,523 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,023 for out-of-state students. Typical Music student debt is $29,139. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,938. That is a strong return on a $29,139 median debt. University Of Central Arkansas admits about 90% of applicants. See the full University Of Central Arkansas profile

#33

University Of Wyoming

Laramie, WY

University Of Wyoming came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Located in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,768, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. The median Music program debt is $20,283. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,880 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,283 median debt. University Of Wyoming admits about 97% of applicants. More on University Of Wyoming

#34

University Of Sacred Heart

Santurce, PR

University Of Sacred Heart landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Santurce, PR, University Of Sacred Heart is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,410. Students borrow a median of $14,493 to complete their Music program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $31,754 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Sacred Heart has an acceptance rate of 58%. See the full University Of Sacred Heart profile

#35

University Of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA

University Of Northern Iowa came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Based in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,936, while out-of-state students pay about $21,712. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,177 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Northern Iowa profile

#36

West Chester University Of Pennsylvania

West Chester, PA

West Chester University Of Pennsylvania came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Located in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,775, with out-of-state students paying around $22,599. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,258 ten years after entry. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full West Chester University Of Pennsylvania report

#37

Texas Womans University

Denton, TX

Texas Womans University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set 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. Texas Womans University alumni report median earnings of $56,544 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Texas Womans University report

#38

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI

Central Michigan University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Central Michigan University is a public school based in Mount Pleasant, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,480. Graduates carry a median of $27,975 in student loans. Central Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $55,874 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,975 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on Central Michigan University

#39

Emporia State University

Emporia, KS

Emporia State University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Located in Emporia, KS, Emporia State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,106, while out-of-state students pay about $15,419. Emporia State University Music students take on a median of $23,131 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,601. Set against $23,131 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Emporia State University

#40

San Jose State University

San Jose, CA

San Jose State University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. San Jose State University is a public school based in San Jose, CA. Students from in state pay about $8,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,988 ten years after entry. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about San Jose State University

#41

Grand Valley State University

Allendale, MI

Grand Valley State University placed #41 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Grand Valley State University is a public school based in Allendale, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,502, with out-of-state students paying around $21,894. The median Music program debt is $29,198. Median earnings reach $56,118 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,198 median debt. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Grand Valley State University

#42

Minnesota State University Mankato

Mankato, MN

Minnesota State University Mankato ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Minnesota State University Mankato Music students take on a median of $25,260 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. Set against $25,260 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on Minnesota State University Mankato

#43

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Typical Music student debt is $27,816. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. Set against $27,816 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants. Get the full Texas Tech University report

#43

Fort Hays State University

Hays, KS

Fort Hays State University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Hays, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,923, with out-of-state students paying around $17,741. Fort Hays State University Music students take on a median of $25,967 in debt. Median earnings reach $48,928 ten years out. Set against $25,967 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Fort Hays State University profile

#45

Lindenwood University

Saint Charles, MO

Lindenwood University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Based in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,600. The median Music program debt is $28,663. Median earnings reach $53,278 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lindenwood University admits about 57% of applicants. See the full Lindenwood University profile

#45

Texas A And M University Kingsville

Kingsville, TX

Texas A And M University Kingsville landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Kingsville, TX, Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,892, while out-of-state students pay about $25,746. Graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,450. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas A And M University Kingsville has an acceptance rate of 91%. More on Texas A And M University Kingsville

#45

Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, MN

Saint Cloud State University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. This public school is set in Saint Cloud, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,245. The median Music program debt is $25,076. Saint Cloud State University alumni report median earnings of $55,813 a decade after entry. Set against $25,076 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Saint Cloud State University report

#49

The University Of Tennessee Martin

Martin, TN

The University Of Tennessee Martin ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. This public school is set in Martin, TN. Students from in state pay about $10,560 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,600. Graduates carry a median of $23,770 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,213 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,770 median debt. The University Of Tennessee Martin has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on The University Of Tennessee Martin

#50

University Of Wisconsin Green Bay

Green Bay, WI

University Of Wisconsin Green Bay placed #50 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Set in Green Bay, WI, University Of Wisconsin Green Bay is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,700 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,288 for out-of-state students. Typical Music student debt is $24,477. Median earnings reach $52,528 ten years out. Set against $24,477 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Green Bay profile

#51

Minnesota State University Moorhead

Moorhead, MN

Minnesota State University Moorhead placed #51 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Set in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,428 in tuition and fees. The median Music program debt is $24,447. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,527. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minnesota State University Moorhead has an acceptance rate of 59%. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Moorhead