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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best General Music Schools in Tennessee

9 Colleges in the United States
291 General Music Degrees Awarded
$36,214 Avg Early-Career Salary

General Music degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.

For its 2026 ranking, College Factual looked at 31 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for general music students pursuing a degree.

What’s on this page:

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Best Schools for General Music in Tennessee

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall general music education in Tennessee.

Top Schools in General Music

1

No school ranked higher than Tennessee Technological University this year for general music. This large public university is located in the town of Cookeville. Tennessee Technological University graduates 58% of students within six years. About 20 general music degrees were awarded at Tennessee Technological University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, general music degree recipients from Tennessee Technological University generally make around $44,635. Students borrow a median of $17,500 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in general music from Tennessee Technological University

2

A rank of #2 makes The University Of Tennessee one of the top schools for general music. Set in the city of Knoxville, The University Of Tennessee is a very large public institution. About 74% of students finish within six years. About 71 general music degrees were awarded at The University Of Tennessee in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, general music degree recipients from The University Of Tennessee generally make around $33,043. Students borrow a median of $23,453 to complete this degree. Get the full general music details for The University Of Tennessee

3

A rank of #3 makes Middle Tennessee State University one of the top schools for general music. Middle Tennessee State University is a very large public school located in the city of Murfreesboro. Roughly 54% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 60 general music degrees were awarded at Middle Tennessee State University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, general music degree recipients from Middle Tennessee State University generally make around $27,586. Typical student debt for the program is $22,608. See the full general music program report for Middle Tennessee State University

4

The University Of Tennessee Martin is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in general music, ranking #4. This moderately-sized public university is located in the town of Martin. About 52% of students finish within six years. The University Of Tennessee Martin awarded about 10 general music degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the general music program make about $40,400 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $23,770. Get the full general music details for The University Of Tennessee Martin

5

The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in general music, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Chattanooga, The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga is a large public institution. Roughly 50% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 19 general music degrees were awarded at The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga in the most recent year. General Music graduates of The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga earn a median of $50,000 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $23,324. See the full general music program report for The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga

6

University Of Memphis landed the #6 spot for general music this year. University Of Memphis is a very large public school located in the city of Memphis. The six-year graduation rate is 51%. About 65 general music degrees were awarded at University Of Memphis in the most recent year. Students who receive their general music degree from University Of Memphis earn around $37,385 in the first couple years of their career. University Of Memphis graduates carry a median of $22,060 in student loans. See the full general music program report for University Of Memphis

7

East Tennessee State University landed the #7 spot for general music this year. East Tennessee State University is a large public school located in the city of Johnson City. About 53% of students finish within six years. East Tennessee State University awarded about 14 general music degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the general music program make about $30,004 in their early career. East Tennessee State University graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. Read more about the general music program at East Tennessee State University

8

Austin Peay State University placed #8 among the best general music schools. Set in the city of Clarksville, Austin Peay State University is a large public institution. About 39% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 21 general music students who graduated with this degree at Austin Peay State University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, general music degree recipients from Austin Peay State University generally make around $39,008. Austin Peay State University graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Get the full general music details for Austin Peay State University

9

Tennessee State University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best general music schools. Located in the city of Nashville, Tennessee State University is a moderately-sized public university. About 35% of students finish within six years. About 11 general music degrees were awarded at Tennessee State University in the most recent year. Students who receive their general music degree from Tennessee State University earn around $23,868 in the first couple years of their career. Tennessee State University graduates carry a median of $29,489 in student loans. Get the full general music details for Tennessee State University

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Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 31 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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