by our College Data Analytics Team
[Music Education](/majors/education/teacher-education-and-development/music-education/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 20 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value music education schools.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the music education degrees they offer, see the list below.
For return on investment in music education, no school beat Washburn University this year. Washburn University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Topeka. In-state tuition and fees average $9,945, while out-of-state students pay about $20,949. Typical student debt for music education graduates is $21,175. Music Education graduates of Washburn University earn a median of $50,955 early in their careers. Set against $21,175 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Fort Hays State University earned it the #2 place for music education. Fort Hays State University is a large public school located in the town of Hays. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,923, with out-of-state students paying around $17,741. Music Education graduates carry a median of $23,082 in student loans. Music Education graduates of Fort Hays State University earn a median of $41,086 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes Wichita State University one of the best values for music education. Located in the city of Wichita, Wichita State University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,684, while out-of-state students pay about $19,869. Music Education graduates carry a median of $22,145 in student loans. Soon after graduation, music education degree recipients from Wichita State University generally make around $47,121. Set against $22,145 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wichita State University admits about 94% of applicants.
A rank of #4 makes Emporia State University one of the best values for music education. Located in the town of Emporia, Emporia State University is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,106, with out-of-state students paying around $15,419. Typical student debt for music education graduates is $22,500. Soon after graduation, music education degree recipients from Emporia State University generally make around $52,694. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Kansas came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value music education schools. Located in the city of Lawrence, University Of Kansas is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $12,102 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. Typical student debt for music education graduates is $24,174. Soon after graduation, music education degree recipients from University Of Kansas generally make around $40,495. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Kansas admits about 94% of applicants.
Kansas State University earned the #6 position for value in music education this year. Kansas State University is a very large public school located in the city of Manhattan. Students from in state pay about $11,221 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Music Education graduates carry a median of $22,814 in student loans. Early-career music education graduates make about $45,179. That is a strong return on a $22,814 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.
Pittsburg State University came in at #7 for value in music education this year. Located in the town of Pittsburg, Pittsburg State University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,400, with out-of-state students paying around $19,744. Music Education graduates carry a median of $24,125 in student loans. Music Education graduates of Pittsburg State University earn a median of $46,923 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,125 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%.
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Friends University landed the #8 spot for music education value this year. Located in the city of Wichita, Friends University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $34,192 in tuition and fees. Music Education graduates carry a median of $29,721 in student loans. Early-career music education graduates make about $47,675. Set against $29,721 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 55%.
This ranking is produced 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 · 20 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.