2026 Best Value General Music Schools in New Jersey

1

New Jersey City University
Jersey City, NJ

Leading the list is New Jersey City University, our #1 best value for general music in New Jersey. New Jersey City University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Jersey City. In-state tuition and fees average $14,460. General Music graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. General Music graduates of New Jersey City University earn a median of $18,544 early in their careers. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.

2

Montclair State University
Montclair, NJ

Montclair State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general music, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Montclair, Montclair State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,912 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $26,022. Typical student debt for general music graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, general music degree recipients from Montclair State University generally make around $41,164. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Montclair State University admits about 88% of applicants.

3

William Paterson University Of New Jersey
Wayne, NJ

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at William Paterson University Of New Jersey earned it the #3 place for general music. William Paterson University Of New Jersey is a large public school located in the suburb of Wayne. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,704, while out-of-state students pay about $25,344. Students borrow a median of $26,875 to complete the general music program here. General Music graduates of William Paterson University Of New Jersey earn a median of $26,621 early in their careers. Set against $26,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. William Paterson University Of New Jersey admits about 90% of applicants.

4

Ramapo College Of New Jersey
Mahwah, NJ

Students looking for strong value in general music will find it at Ramapo College Of New Jersey, which ranked #4. Set in the suburb of Mahwah, Ramapo College Of New Jersey is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,777, while out-of-state students pay about $27,708. General Music graduates carry a median of $23,541 in student loans. General Music graduates of Ramapo College Of New Jersey earn a median of $23,127 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.

5

Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Rowan University earned it the #5 place for general music. Located in the suburb of Glassboro, Rowan University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,574, while out-of-state students pay about $26,932. General Music graduates carry a median of $26,500 in student loans. General Music graduates of Rowan University earn a median of $32,781 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,500 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.

6

Rutgers University New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ

Rutgers University New Brunswick earned the #6 position for value in general music this year. Set in the city of New Brunswick, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,929, with out-of-state students paying around $37,441. Typical student debt for general music graduates is $26,000. Early-career general music graduates make about $36,818. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 58%.

7

Rider University
Lawrenceville, NJ

Rider University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value general music schools. Rider University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Lawrenceville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,120. General Music graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. General Music graduates of Rider University earn a median of $26,943 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted.

8

The College Of New Jersey
Ewing, NJ

The College Of New Jersey placed #8 among the best values for general music. The College Of New Jersey is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Ewing. In-state tuition and fees average $19,632, while out-of-state students pay about $25,752. Typical student debt for general music graduates is $24,429. Soon after graduation, general music degree recipients from The College Of New Jersey generally make around $56,617. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted.

9

Monmouth University
West Long Branch, NJ

Monmouth University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value general music schools. Set in the suburb of West Long Branch, Monmouth University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $46,552. Typical student debt for general music graduates is $26,411. Early-career general music graduates make about $24,563. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%.