by our College Data Analytics Team
[Conducting](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/music/conducting/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong conducting education at a price that pays off.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 7 schools to find the best return on investment for conducting students.
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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
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Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in conducting, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked Rice University the best value for a degree in conducting in Texas. Located in the city of Houston, Rice University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $61,247 in tuition and fees. Conducting graduates carry a median of $11,904 in student loans. Conducting graduates of Rice University earn a median of $75,299 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,904 median debt. The acceptance rate is 8%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at The University Of Texas At Austin earned it the #2 place for conducting. Set in the city of Austin, The University Of Texas At Austin is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the conducting program here. Conducting graduates of The University Of Texas At Austin earn a median of $33,937 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 27%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Texas Christian University earned it the #3 place for conducting. Located in the city of Fort Worth, Texas Christian University is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,740. Conducting graduates carry a median of $23,500 in student loans. Conducting graduates of Texas Christian University earn a median of $60,035 early in their careers. Set against $23,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Christian University admits about 44% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southern Methodist University earned it the #4 place for conducting. Set in the suburb of Dallas, Southern Methodist University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,040. Conducting graduates carry a median of $18,417 in student loans. Conducting graduates of Southern Methodist University earn a median of $26,308 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $18,417 median debt. Southern Methodist University admits about 63% of applicants.
Baylor University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in conducting, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Waco, Baylor University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $58,100 in tuition and fees. Conducting graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Conducting graduates of Baylor University earn a median of $10,210 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Baylor University admits about 51% of applicants.
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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 · 7 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
