2026 Best Value Music Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Music master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1375 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor reviewed schools to produce 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Columbia College Chicago earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Located in Chicago, IL, Columbia College Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,088. Columbia College Chicago Music students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,195. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Columbia College Chicago
You'll get strong value at West Texas A And M University, which ranked #2 this year. Located in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,101, with out-of-state students paying around $10,996. The median Music program debt is $24,750. 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. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. See the full West Texas A And M University profile
Out of the 1375 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Messiah College landed the #3 spot. Located in Mechanicsburg, PA, Messiah College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $42,240. Messiah College Music students take on a median of $25,965 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,064 ten years after entry. Set against $25,965 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Messiah College has an acceptance rate of 79%. Get the full Messiah College report
Truman State University came in at #4 on this year's best-value Music ranking in the United States. Based in Kirksville, MO, Truman State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,838, while out-of-state students pay about $18,566. Graduates carry a median of $23,168 in student loans. Truman State University alumni report median earnings of $56,280 a decade after entry. Set against $23,168 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Truman State University admits about 84% of applicants. Read more about Truman State University
North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #5 on this year's best-value Music ranking in the United States. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. North Dakota State University Main Campus Music students take on a median of $25,153 in debt. A decade after starting, 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
Youngstown State University came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Located in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,926 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,373 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,544 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. More on Youngstown State University
Lindenwood University placed #7 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Charles, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,600. The median Music program debt is $28,663. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,278. Set against $28,663 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. More on Lindenwood University
Brigham Young University Provo placed #8 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Typical Music student debt is $10,460. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. Set against $10,460 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
Texas A And M University Kingsville placed #9 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Based 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, compared with $25,746 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $51,450 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. Texas A And M University Kingsville admits about 91% of applicants. More on Texas A And M University Kingsville
University Of Nebraska At Kearney offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Set in Kearney, NE, University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,564, compared with $16,484 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,173 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,105 ten years after entry. Set against $22,173 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Nebraska At Kearney profile
University Of South Dakota came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Located in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,432, while out-of-state students pay about $12,942. The median Music program debt is $26,322. Median earnings reach $51,926 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of South Dakota
The University Of Texas Pan American ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Set in Edinburg, TX, The University Of Texas Pan American is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,799 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,645. Typical Music student debt is $20,920. Median earnings reach $49,620 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas Pan American has an acceptance rate of 94%. More on The University Of Texas Pan American
Sam Houston State University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. This public school is set in Huntsville, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,228, while out-of-state students pay about $19,068. Graduates carry a median of $28,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,211. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Sam Houston State University admits about 90% of applicants. Read more about Sam Houston State University
Western Illinois University landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,572. Typical Music student debt is $30,000. Western Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $54,163 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,000 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. More on Western Illinois University
University Of Central Arkansas came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Set in Conway, AR, University Of Central Arkansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,523, while out-of-state students pay about $18,023. Typical Music student debt is $29,139. Median earnings reach $45,938 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Central Arkansas admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Central Arkansas
Liberty University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. 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. Liberty University alumni report median earnings of $44,813 a decade after entry. 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
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. This public school is set in Edwardsville, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $12,092. Typical Music student debt is $23,500. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumni report median earnings of $56,346 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville admits about 98% of applicants. Get the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville report
Texas A And M University Commerce came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Based in Commerce, TX, Texas A And M University Commerce is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,026, with out-of-state students paying around $22,326. The median Music program debt is $27,101. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,296. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas A And M University Commerce has an acceptance rate of 92%. Read more about Texas A And M University Commerce
The University Of Texas At El Paso ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Set in El Paso, TX, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,544, with out-of-state students paying around $25,502. The median Music program debt is $14,612. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,923. Set against $14,612 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. Get the full The University Of Texas At El Paso report
Texas Womans University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Texas Womans University is a public school based in Denton, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,640, compared with $18,480 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,810 to complete their Music program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,544. That is a strong return on a $25,810 median debt. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Texas Womans University profile
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,775 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,599. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,258. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania admits about 78% of applicants. Read more about West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
Converse College landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Converse College is a private not-for-profit school based in Spartanburg, SC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,240. Students borrow a median of $26,715 to complete their Music program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,867 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Converse College
Morehead State University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Located in Morehead, KY, Morehead State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,024, compared with $14,980 for out-of-state students. Morehead State University Music students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $43,197 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. See the full Morehead State University profile
Cuny Graduate School And University Center came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public school based in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $7,235, while out-of-state students pay about $15,185. Graduates carry a median of $17,921 in student loans. Median earnings reach $65,991 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,921 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%. Read the full report on Cuny Graduate School And University Center
Illinois State University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Located in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,117 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Illinois State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Music Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Montclair State University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Montclair, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,912, while out-of-state students pay about $26,022. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Music program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,415 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Montclair State University
University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #27 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Students borrow a median of $25,373 to complete their Music program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,887 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln
University Of Southern Mississippi offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. This public school is set in Hattiesburg, MS. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,998, compared with $11,998 for out-of-state students. University Of Southern Mississippi Music students take on a median of $25,415 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,140 ten years after entry. Set against $25,415 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Southern Mississippi
Arkansas State University Main Campus ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Located in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,090 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $14,522. Typical Music student debt is $23,399. 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. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Arkansas State University Main Campus
Missouri State University Springfield came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Set in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Typical Music student debt is $24,408. 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. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Missouri State University Springfield
Kansas State University placed #31 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Located in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Kansas State University Music students take on a median of $23,546 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,262. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kansas State University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read more about Kansas State University
Northern Illinois University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. Typical Music student debt is $29,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. Set against $29,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. More on Northern Illinois University
Texas Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. 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. The median Music program debt is $27,816. 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
Stephen F Austin State University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. This public school is set in Nacogdoches, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,128, while out-of-state students pay about $20,968. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Music program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,634. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Stephen F Austin State University admits about 94% of applicants. Get the full Stephen F Austin State University report
Mississippi College landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Mississippi College is a private not-for-profit school based in Clinton, MS. Students from in state pay about $23,500 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,510 to complete their Music program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,485. Set against $25,510 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 29% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Mississippi College
Azusa Pacific University landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Azusa Pacific University is a private not-for-profit school based in Azusa, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,458. Typical Music student debt is $22,000. Azusa Pacific University alumni report median earnings of $66,677 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Azusa Pacific University
University Of Wyoming placed #37 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Based in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,768, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. Typical Music student debt is $20,283. University Of Wyoming alumni report median earnings of $56,880 a decade after entry. Set against $20,283 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 97%. See the full University Of Wyoming profile
University Of Delaware came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Located in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. Typical Music student debt is $25,334. Median earnings reach $72,950 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Delaware admits about 71% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Delaware
San Jose State University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. This public school is set 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. San Jose State University alumni report median earnings of $78,988 a decade after entry. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full San Jose State University report
Eastern Illinois University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. This public school is set in Charleston, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,377, while out-of-state students pay about $15,859. Students borrow a median of $26,300 to complete their Music program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,989 ten years after entry. Set against $26,300 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Eastern Illinois University
University Of Nebraska At Omaha offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Based in Omaha, NE, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,718, with out-of-state students paying around $23,206. Graduates carry a median of $21,783 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,909 ten years after entry. Set against $21,783 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska At Omaha has an acceptance rate of 87%. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska At Omaha
Eastern Kentucky University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Richmond, KY, Eastern Kentucky University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,320, compared with $21,230 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,379 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,795. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Eastern Kentucky University admits about 78% of applicants. Get the full Eastern Kentucky University report
University Of Akron Main Campus landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Akron, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. Students borrow a median of $25,062 to complete their Music program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,600. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Akron Main Campus
Oklahoma City University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Based in Oklahoma City, OK, Oklahoma City University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,754. Oklahoma City University Music students take on a median of $26,456 in debt. Median earnings reach $54,655 ten years out. Set against $26,456 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%. More on Oklahoma City University
Rowan University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Based in Glassboro, NJ, Rowan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,574, compared with $26,932 for out-of-state students. Typical Music student debt is $26,500. Median earnings reach $59,988 ten years out. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. See the full Rowan University profile
University Of Northern Iowa landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,936, compared with $21,712 for out-of-state students. Typical Music student debt is $19,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,177. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Northern Iowa has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read the full report on University Of Northern Iowa
Indiana State University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Located in Terre Haute, IN, Indiana State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,258 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,322. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $48,387 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana State University has an acceptance rate of 81%. More on Indiana State University
Lee University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Music schools. Set in Cleveland, TN, Lee University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,790. The median Music program debt is $28,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,222 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lee University has an acceptance rate of 70%. See the full Lee University profile
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Indiana, PA, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,380, with out-of-state students paying around $16,297. Students borrow a median of $27,956 to complete their Music program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,019 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,956 median debt. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 91%. Get the full Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus report
Oklahoma State University Main Campus placed #50 among the best-value Music schools in the United States. Located in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,110, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,337 to complete their Music program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,413. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus report
Related Music Value Rankings
See value rankings for 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Music Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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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