by our College Data Analytics TeamMusic Education is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.
For its 2026 ranking, College Factual looked at 15 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for music education students pursuing a degree.
What’s on this page:
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
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If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the music education degrees they offer, see the list below.
Lawrence University tops our 2026 ranking of the best music education schools. This small private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Appleton. Roughly 77% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 11 music education students who graduated with this degree at Lawrence University in the most recent data year. Typical student debt for the program is $15,699. Read more about the music education program at Lawrence University
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in music education, ranking #2. Set in the town of Stevens Point, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a moderately-sized public institution. About 56% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 37 music education students who graduated with this degree at University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point in the most recent data year. Graduates of the music education program make about $40,005 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $25,719 to complete this degree. Read more about the music education program at University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point
Students looking for a strong music education program will find one at University Of Wisconsin River Falls, which ranked #3. Set in the town of River Falls, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a moderately-sized public institution. About 57% of students finish within six years. University Of Wisconsin River Falls awarded about 11 music education degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their music education degree from University Of Wisconsin River Falls earn around $43,296 in the first couple years of their career. University Of Wisconsin River Falls graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Read more about the music education program at University Of Wisconsin River Falls
Lakeland College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best music education schools. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the rural area of Plymouth. The six-year graduation rate is 42%. There were roughly 22 music education students who graduated with this degree at Lakeland College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their music education degree from Lakeland College earn around $52,412 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $29,722. Read more about the music education program at Lakeland College
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 15 schools evaluated.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
