2026 Best Value Music Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Music graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1375 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor analyzed schools to build 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Messiah College tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Music graduate certificate degree schools in the United States. Messiah College is a private not-for-profit school based in Mechanicsburg, PA. Students from in state pay about $42,240 in tuition and fees. The median Music program debt is $25,965. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,064 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,965 median debt. Messiah College has an acceptance rate of 79%. Read the full report on Messiah College
A rank of #2 makes Liberty University one of the best values in the United States. Set in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $16,173 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $44,813 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Liberty University admits about 99% of applicants. Read the full report on Liberty University
A rank of #3 makes University Of Central Arkansas one of the best values in the United States. Set in Conway, AR, University Of Central Arkansas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,523, while out-of-state students pay about $18,023. University Of Central Arkansas Music students take on a median of $29,139 in debt. Median earnings reach $45,938 ten years out. Set against $29,139 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Central Arkansas
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Western Illinois University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Based in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,572. Western Illinois University Music students take on a median of $30,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,163. Set against $30,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Western Illinois University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville earned it the #5 place in the United States. This public school is set in Edwardsville, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Music students take on a median of $23,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,346 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%. More on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Northern Illinois University came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. Northern Illinois University Music students take on a median of $29,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Northern Illinois University
Montclair State University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Montclair State University is a public school based in Montclair, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,912, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. Montclair State University Music students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,415. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Montclair State University
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,775, compared with $22,599 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,258. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
Texas Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Texas Tech University Music students take on a median of $27,816 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,816 median debt. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants. Get the full Texas Tech University report
Missouri State University Springfield landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Missouri State University Springfield Music students take on a median of $24,408 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,827 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read the full report on Missouri State University Springfield
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. The University Of Texas At Austin Music students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,121. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 27%. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile
Texas State University San Marcos landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in San Marcos, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $22,930. Students borrow a median of $26,241 to complete their Music program here. Texas State University San Marcos alumni report median earnings of $56,906 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,241 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Texas State University San Marcos
University Of North Texas landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of North Texas is a public school based in Denton, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Graduates carry a median of $24,456 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,010 ten years out. Set against $24,456 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Texas admits about 72% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of North Texas
Ohio University Main Campus placed #14 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Based in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,158 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. Ohio University Main Campus Music students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ohio University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $52,581 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Ohio University Main Campus report
The University Of Texas At Arlington ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Set in Arlington, TX, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,950, while out-of-state students pay about $29,582. Graduates carry a median of $24,911 in student loans. The University Of Texas At Arlington alumni report median earnings of $63,199 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,911 median debt. The University Of Texas At Arlington admits about 80% of applicants. Get the full The University Of Texas At Arlington report
Bowling Green State University Main Campus landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public school based in Bowling Green, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,912, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. Bowling Green State University Main Campus Music students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,896 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bowling Green State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 81%. More on Bowling Green State University Main Campus
Indiana University South Bend ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Based in South Bend, IN, Indiana University South Bend is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,424, with out-of-state students paying around $22,811. Students borrow a median of $24,640 to complete their Music program here. Median earnings reach $44,947 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,640 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%. Get the full Indiana University South Bend report
University Of Nevada Las Vegas landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Las Vegas, NV. Students from in state pay about $9,748 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,411. Graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,037 ten years out. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Nevada Las Vegas
Texas Christian University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Fort Worth, TX, Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,740. The median Music program debt is $23,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,424. That is a strong return on a $23,500 median debt. Texas Christian University has an acceptance rate of 44%. Read the full report on Texas Christian University
University Of Redlands ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Located in Redlands, CA, University Of Redlands is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $60,878. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $72,690 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 83%. Read the full report on University Of Redlands
Columbus State University placed #21 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Columbus State University is a public school based in Columbus, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,898, while out-of-state students pay about $17,610. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Columbus State University alumni report median earnings of $44,544 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Columbus State University has an acceptance rate of 99%. See the full Columbus State University profile
Michigan State University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Michigan State University is a public school based in East Lansing, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Michigan State University Music students take on a median of $26,750 in debt. Median earnings reach $67,253 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,750 median debt. Michigan State University has an acceptance rate of 85%. Read more about Michigan State University
Ball State University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Based in Muncie, IN, Ball State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,082, with out-of-state students paying around $29,630. Typical Music student debt is $24,518. Ball State University alumni report median earnings of $51,833 a decade after entry. Set against $24,518 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Ball State University profile
Northern Arizona University landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Flagstaff, AZ, Northern Arizona University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,619, compared with $20,044 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,645 to complete their Music program here. Median earnings reach $54,384 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Arizona University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full Northern Arizona University report
Roosevelt University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Based in Chicago, IL, Roosevelt University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $21,315 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,750 in student loans. Median earnings reach $48,712 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Roosevelt University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Music Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Depaul University placed #25 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,405. The median Music program debt is $23,334. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,751 ten years after entry. 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 Depaul University
Duquesne University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Duquesne University is a private not-for-profit school based in Pittsburgh, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $48,986. The median Music program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,742 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Duquesne University has an acceptance rate of 84%. See the full Duquesne University profile
University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Winston Salem, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $9,477, with out-of-state students paying around $27,211. Students borrow a median of $23,143 to complete their Music program here. Median earnings reach $38,357 ten years out. Set against $23,143 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts admits about 30% of applicants. See the full University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts profile
University Of Missouri Columbia placed #29 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. This public school is set in Columbia, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. The median Music program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $63,403 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Missouri Columbia admits about 78% of applicants. See the full University Of Missouri Columbia profile
Cuny Brooklyn College placed #30 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Located in Brooklyn, NY, Cuny Brooklyn College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,452, while out-of-state students pay about $15,402. The median Music program debt is $13,303. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,752. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Cuny Brooklyn College
The University Of Tennessee placed #31 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. The University Of Tennessee is a public school based in Knoxville, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,812, with out-of-state students paying around $33,256. Students borrow a median of $23,453 to complete their Music program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,249 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%. Read more about The University Of Tennessee
University Of South Carolina Columbia came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. University Of South Carolina Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, SC. Students from in state pay about $12,688 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $36,298. University Of South Carolina Columbia Music students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,177. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 60%. See the full University Of South Carolina Columbia profile
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Typical Music student debt is $24,625. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,054. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign profile
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public school based in Greensboro, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,661, with out-of-state students paying around $24,012. Typical Music student debt is $26,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,160. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Greensboro report
Georgia State University landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Atlanta, GA, Georgia State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,664, compared with $24,840 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Music program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,384 ten years after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Georgia State University
University Of Kentucky landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,502, with out-of-state students paying around $34,140. Graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $59,025 ten years out. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Kentucky profile
Belhaven University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Jackson, MS, Belhaven University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,250. Typical Music student debt is $34,181. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,440 ten years after entry. Set against $34,181 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Belhaven University has an acceptance rate of 50%. Read the full report on Belhaven University
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public school based in Milwaukee, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,398, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Music students take on a median of $25,750 in debt. Median earnings reach $54,990 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,750 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee admits about 91% of applicants. See the full University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee profile
University Of Utah landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,620 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. Graduates carry a median of $16,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,170. Set against $16,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Utah admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Utah
Southern Methodist University placed #40 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Based in Dallas, TX, Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,040. The median Music program debt is $18,417. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,354. That is a strong return on a $18,417 median debt. The acceptance rate is 63%. Read more about Southern Methodist University
Arizona State University came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Based in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. The median Music program debt is $21,504. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Arizona State University profile
New York University placed #42 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Based in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,796. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,509. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 9%. See the full New York University profile
Oberlin College ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Oberlin College is a private not-for-profit school based in Oberlin, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,366. The median Music program debt is $26,200. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,343 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,200 median debt. The acceptance rate is 34%. More on Oberlin College
University Of Missouri Kansas City came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Located in Kansas City, MO, University Of Missouri Kansas City is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,371 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $32,271. The median Music program debt is $23,089. University Of Missouri Kansas City alumni report median earnings of $59,637 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Missouri Kansas City has an acceptance rate of 72%. Get the full University Of Missouri Kansas City report
Western Michigan University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Based in Kalamazoo, MI, Western Michigan University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,987 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,562 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Western Michigan University
Indiana University Bloomington ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Located in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,144, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. Typical Music student debt is $20,769. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,742. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Indiana University Bloomington
University Of North Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Based in Jacksonville, FL, University Of North Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,964, while out-of-state students pay about $19,407. The median Music program debt is $20,188. Median earnings reach $56,343 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,188 median debt. University Of North Florida admits about 53% of applicants. More on University Of North Florida
University Of Connecticut placed #48 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Located in Storrs, CT, University Of Connecticut is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $21,044, while out-of-state students pay about $43,712. University Of Connecticut Music students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,997. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Connecticut has an acceptance rate of 52%. Get the full University Of Connecticut report
Carnegie Mellon University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. Students from in state pay about $65,636 in tuition and fees. Carnegie Mellon University Music students take on a median of $24,431 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $114,862 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,431 median debt. Carnegie Mellon University admits about 12% of applicants. Get the full Carnegie Mellon University report
Columbia University In The City Of New York landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,517. Columbia University In The City Of New York Music students take on a median of $23,258 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $102,491 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,258 median debt. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Columbia University In The City Of New York
Related Music Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Music Schools (All Levels)
- 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 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. Schools are scored on 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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