by our College Data Analytics Team
[Music Education](/majors/education/teacher-education-and-development/music-education/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 13 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for music education students.
What’s on this page:
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Earn the music business degree that fits into the business world – and partners Southern New Hampshire University with world-renowned Berklee College of Music.
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the music education degrees they offer, see the list below.
San Jose State University tops our 2026 list of the best value music education schools in California. San Jose State University is a very large public school located in the city of San Jose. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,988. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants.
University Of California Los Angeles is a great value for students pursuing a degree in music education, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Music Education graduates carry a median of $16,097 in student loans. Soon after graduation, music education degree recipients from University Of California Los Angeles generally make around $63,833. That is a strong return on a $16,097 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%.
Fresno Pacific University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in music education, landing the #3 spot this year. Fresno Pacific University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Fresno. Students from in state pay about $36,660 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for music education graduates is $21,875. Soon after graduation, music education degree recipients from Fresno Pacific University generally make around $60,890. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 64%.
A rank of #4 makes University Of The Pacific one of the best values for music education. Located in the city of Stockton, University Of The Pacific is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $57,080. Students borrow a median of $23,514 to complete the music education program here. Soon after graduation, music education degree recipients from University Of The Pacific generally make around $77,022. Set against $23,514 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of The Pacific admits about 71% of applicants.
1
2
3
4
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 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 · 13 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
