2026 Best Value Music Doctoral Degree Schools

#1

North Dakota State University Main Campus

Fargo, ND

Our analysis found North Dakota State University Main Campus to be the best-value Music school in the United States. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. The median Music program debt is $25,153. Median earnings reach $62,203 ten years out. Set against $25,153 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Dakota State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. See the full North Dakota State University Main Campus profile

#2

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA

Out of the 1375 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Liberty University landed the #2 spot. Liberty University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,813. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Liberty University

#3

Cuny Graduate School And University Center

New York, NY

Out of the 1375 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Cuny Graduate School And University Center landed the #3 spot. Based in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,235, while out-of-state students pay about $15,185. Typical Music student debt is $17,921. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,991 ten years after entry. Set against $17,921 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Cuny Graduate School And University Center

#4

University Of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, MS

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Southern Mississippi earned it the #4 place in the United States. University Of Southern Mississippi is a public school based in Hattiesburg, MS. In-state tuition and fees average $9,998, with out-of-state students paying around $11,998. Graduates carry a median of $25,415 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,140 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,415 median debt. University Of Southern Mississippi has an acceptance rate of 99%. See the full University Of Southern Mississippi profile

#5

University Of Houston

Houston, TX

You'll get strong value at University Of Houston, which ranked #5 this year. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. Typical Music student debt is $26,000. Median earnings reach $62,377 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Houston profile

#6

The University Of Texas At Austin

Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Typical Music student debt is $26,000. The University Of Texas At Austin alumni report median earnings of $75,121 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. More on The University Of Texas At Austin

#7

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,816 in student loans. Texas Tech University alumni report median earnings of $62,454 a decade after entry. Set against $27,816 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas Tech University

#8

University Of Nebraska Lincoln

Lincoln, NE

University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,373 to complete their Music program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,887. That is a strong return on a $25,373 median debt. University Of Nebraska Lincoln has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report

#9

University Of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Typical Music student debt is $21,813. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,792. That is a strong return on a $21,813 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report

#10

University Of California Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley placed #10 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,800 to complete their Music program here. Median earnings reach $92,446 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile

#11

University Of Memphis

Memphis, TN

University Of Memphis offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. University Of Memphis is a public school based in Memphis, TN. Students from in state pay about $10,728 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,060 to complete their Music program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,458. Set against $22,060 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Memphis admits about 72% of applicants. Get the full University Of Memphis report

#12

Bowling Green State University Main Campus

Bowling Green, OH

Bowling Green State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Set in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,912, with out-of-state students paying around $21,900. The median Music program debt is $27,000. Bowling Green State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $47,896 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bowling Green State University Main Campus admits about 81% of applicants. Read the full report on Bowling Green State University Main Campus

#13

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in East Lansing, MI. Students from in state pay about $18,079 in tuition and fees, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Typical Music student debt is $26,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,253. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Michigan State University admits about 85% of applicants. Read the full report on Michigan State University

#14

University Of North Texas

Denton, TX

University Of North Texas placed #14 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Based in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Students borrow a median of $24,456 to complete their Music program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,010. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Texas admits about 72% of applicants. Read more about University Of North Texas

#15

University Of California Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Based in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. University Of California Los Angeles Music students take on a median of $23,119 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,511. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles

#16

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA

James Madison University placed #16 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Based in Harrisonburg, VA, James Madison University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,966, while out-of-state students pay about $31,312. The median Music program debt is $20,968. James Madison University alumni report median earnings of $69,954 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. James Madison University admits about 72% of applicants. Get the full James Madison University report

#17

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL

Florida State University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Florida State University is a public school based in Tallahassee, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,517 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,683. Students borrow a median of $23,992 to complete their Music program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,675 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,992 median debt. Florida State University admits about 24% of applicants. More on Florida State University

#18

University Of Virginia Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA

University Of Virginia Main Campus landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,131 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $86,863. Set against $18,131 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 17%. More on University Of Virginia Main Campus

#19

University Of Florida

Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. University Of Florida Music students take on a median of $17,669 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,588. Set against $17,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Florida profile

#20

University Of California Irvine

Irvine, CA

University Of California Irvine ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Set in Irvine, CA, University Of California Irvine is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,752, while out-of-state students pay about $46,640. Typical Music student debt is $16,539. University Of California Irvine alumni report median earnings of $80,735 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 29% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of California Irvine

#21

University Of Nevada Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV

University Of Nevada Las Vegas came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Las Vegas, NV. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,748, with out-of-state students paying around $27,411. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete their Music program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,037. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nevada Las Vegas has an acceptance rate of 96%. Get the full University Of Nevada Las Vegas report

#22

University Of Iowa

Iowa City, IA

University Of Iowa placed #22 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. This public school is set in Iowa City, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,783 in student loans. Median earnings reach $64,762 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Iowa

#22

Duke University

Durham, NC

Duke University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Located in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,758. Typical Music student debt is $13,296. Graduates go on to earn a median of $97,800 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 6%. Read the full report on Duke University

#24

Ball State University

Muncie, IN

Ball State University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. This public school is set in Muncie, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,082, while out-of-state students pay about $29,630. Graduates carry a median of $24,518 in student loans. Median earnings reach $51,833 ten years out. Set against $24,518 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full Ball State University profile

#25

Texas Christian University

Fort Worth, TX

Texas Christian University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit school based in Fort Worth, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,740. Texas Christian University Music students take on a median of $23,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,424. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 44% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Texas Christian University report

#26

University Of Hartford

West Hartford, CT

University Of Hartford ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Set in West Hartford, CT, University Of Hartford is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,075. The median Music program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,823. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of Hartford admits about 96% of applicants. Get the full University Of Hartford report

#27

University Of Northern Colorado

Greeley, CO

University Of Northern Colorado placed #27 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. This public school is set in Greeley, CO. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,901, with out-of-state students paying around $26,979. University Of Northern Colorado Music students take on a median of $24,354 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,231. Set against $24,354 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Northern Colorado has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about University Of Northern Colorado

#28

Shenandoah University

Winchester, VA

Shenandoah University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Set in Winchester, VA, Shenandoah University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $36,950. Graduates carry a median of $25,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,433. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read more about Shenandoah University

#29

University Of California Davis

Davis, CA

University Of California Davis placed #29 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Located in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,804, while out-of-state students pay about $47,692. University Of California Davis Music students take on a median of $17,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,838. Set against $17,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Davis has an acceptance rate of 42%. Read more about University Of California Davis

#30

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Located in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,994, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete their Music program here. Median earnings reach $72,200 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,000 median debt. Roughly 15% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill report

#31

University Of California Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA

University Of California Santa Barbara came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Set in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,915 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,501 median debt. University Of California Santa Barbara admits about 33% of applicants. See the full University Of California Santa Barbara profile

#32

Rutgers University New Brunswick

New Brunswick, NJ

Rutgers University New Brunswick ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Located in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,929, while out-of-state students pay about $37,441. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,479. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. About 58% of those who apply are admitted. More on Rutgers University New Brunswick

#33

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #33 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Music students take on a median of $24,625 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,054. That is a strong return on a $24,625 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

#34

Temple University

Philadelphia, PA

Temple University placed #34 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Temple University is a public school based in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,005, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. Students borrow a median of $24,000 to complete their Music program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,727. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Temple University report

#34

University Of Missouri Columbia

Columbia, MO

University Of Missouri Columbia ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. University Of Missouri Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, MO. Students from in state pay about $14,837 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,403. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Missouri Columbia

#36

Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College

Baton Rouge, LA

Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public school based in Baton Rouge, LA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,954, while out-of-state students pay about $28,631. Students borrow a median of $19,455 to complete their Music program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,251 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. More on Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College

#36

West Virginia University

Morgantown, WV

West Virginia University placed #36 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. West Virginia University is a public school based in Morgantown, WV. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,608 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Music program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,939. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. See the full West Virginia University profile

#36

University Of Kansas

Lawrence, KS

University Of Kansas ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. This public school is set in Lawrence, KS. Students from in state pay about $12,102 in tuition and fees, compared with $30,432 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,608 in student loans. Median earnings reach $61,945 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,608 median debt. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Kansas

#39

University Of South Carolina Columbia

Columbia, SC

University Of South Carolina Columbia landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Columbia, SC, University Of South Carolina Columbia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,688, while out-of-state students pay about $36,298. Typical Music student debt is $27,000. University Of South Carolina Columbia alumni report median earnings of $62,177 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 60%. Read the full report on University Of South Carolina Columbia

#40

University Of California San Diego

La Jolla, CA

University Of California San Diego came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. University Of California San Diego is a public school based in La Jolla, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,788, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. Typical Music student debt is $18,938. University Of California San Diego alumni report median earnings of $84,943 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 27%. Read the full report on University Of California San Diego

#41

University Of North Carolina At Greensboro

Greensboro, NC

University Of North Carolina At Greensboro ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public school based in Greensboro, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $7,661, while out-of-state students pay about $24,012. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro Music students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro alumni report median earnings of $48,160 a decade after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Greensboro report

#42

University Of Kentucky

Lexington, KY

University Of Kentucky landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Kentucky is a public school based in Lexington, KY. In-state tuition and fees average $13,502, with out-of-state students paying around $34,140. Typical Music student debt is $23,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,025. That is a strong return on a $23,000 median debt. University Of Kentucky admits about 93% of applicants. See the full University Of Kentucky profile

#43

Arizona State University

Tempe, AZ

Arizona State University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Typical Music student debt is $21,504. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. That is a strong return on a $21,504 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Arizona State University report

#44

Brandeis University

Waltham, MA

Brandeis University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Set in Waltham, MA, Brandeis University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,080. Brandeis University Music students take on a median of $25,653 in debt. Brandeis University alumni report median earnings of $77,231 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,653 median debt. Brandeis University has an acceptance rate of 40%. Read more about Brandeis University

#45

Indiana University Bloomington

Bloomington, IN

Indiana University Bloomington came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Based in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,144 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. Indiana University Bloomington Music students take on a median of $20,769 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,742 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Bloomington admits about 78% of applicants. Read the full report on Indiana University Bloomington

#46

University Of Georgia

Athens, GA

University Of Georgia ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Based in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,344 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,726 ten years after entry. Set against $22,344 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 38%. Read more about University Of Georgia

#47

University Of Mississippi Main Campus

University, MS

University Of Mississippi Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a public school based in University, MS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,772, while out-of-state students pay about $28,600. University Of Mississippi Main Campus Music students take on a median of $17,250 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,994 ten years after entry. Set against $17,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Mississippi Main Campus profile

#48

University Of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT

University Of Utah placed #48 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. This public school is set in Salt Lake City, UT. In-state tuition and fees average $9,620, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. Graduates carry a median of $16,500 in student loans. University Of Utah alumni report median earnings of $67,170 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Utah

#49

University At Buffalo

Buffalo, NY

University At Buffalo placed #49 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Located in Buffalo, NY, University At Buffalo is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,936, while out-of-state students pay about $31,536. University At Buffalo Music students take on a median of $22,232 in debt. Median earnings reach $70,814 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read more about University At Buffalo

#49

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus

Norman, OK

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Located in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,797, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,639 to complete their Music program here. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus alumni report median earnings of $63,126 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,639 median debt. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus profile