2026 Best Value Jazz Studies Master’s Degree Schools

1

Cuny Brooklyn College
Brooklyn, NY

Cuny Brooklyn College tops our 2026 list of the best value jazz studies schools in the United States. Cuny Brooklyn College is a large public school located in the city of Brooklyn. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,452, while out-of-state students pay about $15,402. Jazz Studies graduates carry a median of $13,303 in student loans. Jazz Studies graduates of Cuny Brooklyn College earn a median of $40,843 early in their careers. Set against $13,303 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 58%.

2

Cuny Queens College
Queens, NY

A rank of #2 makes Cuny Queens College one of the best values for jazz studies. Cuny Queens College is a very large public school located in the city of Queens. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,538, compared with $15,488 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,157 to complete the jazz studies program here. Soon after graduation, jazz studies degree recipients from Cuny Queens College generally make around $27,902. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of Missouri Kansas City
Kansas City, MO

University Of Missouri Kansas City came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value jazz studies schools. University Of Missouri Kansas City is a large public school located in the city of Kansas City. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,371, compared with $32,271 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for jazz studies graduates is $23,089. Early-career jazz studies graduates make about $32,932. Set against $23,089 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Missouri Kansas City admits about 72% of applicants.

4

University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA

University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value jazz studies schools. Set in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Students borrow a median of $16,481 to complete the jazz studies program here. Soon after graduation, jazz studies degree recipients from University Of Washington Seattle Campus generally make around $65,681. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted.

5

Youngstown State University
Youngstown, OH

Youngstown State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in jazz studies, landing the #5 spot this year. Youngstown State University is a large public school located in the city of Youngstown. In-state tuition and fees average $9,926, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Typical student debt for jazz studies graduates is $26,373. Early-career jazz studies graduates make about $34,657. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Youngstown State University admits about 84% of applicants.

6

University Of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value jazz studies schools. University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public school located in the city of Los Angeles. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Jazz Studies graduates carry a median of $23,119 in student loans. Soon after graduation, jazz studies degree recipients from University Of California Los Angeles generally make around $15,520. Set against $23,119 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted.

7

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor placed #7 among the best values for jazz studies. Located in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,848, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. Students borrow a median of $19,397 to complete the jazz studies program here. Jazz Studies graduates of University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earn a median of $16,971 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted.

8

University Of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA

University Of Northern Iowa earned the #8 position for value in jazz studies this year. Set in the city of Cedar Falls, University Of Northern Iowa is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,936, compared with $21,712 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete the jazz studies program here. Soon after graduation, jazz studies degree recipients from University Of Northern Iowa generally make around $32,175. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.

9

University Of North Texas
Denton, TX

University Of North Texas ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value jazz studies schools. University Of North Texas is a very large public school located in the city of Denton. In-state tuition and fees average $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Typical student debt for jazz studies graduates is $24,456. Jazz Studies graduates of University Of North Texas earn a median of $34,346 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.

10

Columbus State University
Columbus, GA

Columbus State University placed #10 among the best values for jazz studies. Columbus State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Columbus. In-state tuition and fees average $5,898, with out-of-state students paying around $17,610. Typical student debt for jazz studies graduates is $27,000. Early-career jazz studies graduates make about $51,154. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%.

11

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earned the #11 position for value in jazz studies this year. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public school located in the city of Champaign. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for jazz studies graduates is $24,625. Soon after graduation, jazz studies degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign generally make around $23,379. That is a strong return on a $24,625 median debt. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants.

12

Wichita State University
Wichita, KS

Wichita State University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value jazz studies schools. Located in the city of Wichita, Wichita State University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,684, compared with $19,869 for out-of-state students. Jazz Studies graduates carry a median of $24,262 in student loans. Soon after graduation, jazz studies degree recipients from Wichita State University generally make around $49,278. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.

13

Ball State University
Muncie, IN

Ball State University landed the #13 spot for jazz studies value this year. Located in the city of Muncie, Ball State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,082, while out-of-state students pay about $29,630. Typical student debt for jazz studies graduates is $24,518. Early-career jazz studies graduates make about $47,863. Set against $24,518 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

14

University Of Delaware
Newark, DE

University Of Delaware ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value jazz studies schools. Located in the suburb of Newark, University Of Delaware is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $16,810, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. Students borrow a median of $25,334 to complete the jazz studies program here. Soon after graduation, jazz studies degree recipients from University Of Delaware generally make around $38,417. Set against $25,334 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%.

15

University Of West Georgia
Carrollton, GA

University Of West Georgia landed the #15 spot for jazz studies value this year. University Of West Georgia is a large public school located in the town of Carrollton. In-state tuition and fees average $6,088, compared with $17,800 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for jazz studies graduates is $26,789. Soon after graduation, jazz studies degree recipients from University Of West Georgia generally make around $46,432. That is a strong return on a $26,789 median debt. University Of West Georgia admits about 52% of applicants.

16

University Of Arkansas At Monticello
Monticello, AR

University Of Arkansas At Monticello placed #16 among the best values for jazz studies. Set in the town of Monticello, University Of Arkansas At Monticello is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,292, compared with $14,857 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,611 to complete the jazz studies program here. Early-career jazz studies graduates make about $41,278. That is a strong return on a $15,611 median debt.

17

Missouri State University Springfield
Springfield, MO

Missouri State University Springfield ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best value jazz studies schools. Set in the city of Springfield, Missouri State University Springfield is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,502 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Jazz Studies graduates carry a median of $24,408 in student loans. Jazz Studies graduates of Missouri State University Springfield earn a median of $46,503 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,408 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

18

Ohio State University Main Campus
Columbus, OH

Ohio State University Main Campus placed #18 among the best values for jazz studies. Located in the city of Columbus, Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. Jazz Studies graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career jazz studies graduates make about $35,209. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.

19

Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI

Western Michigan University came in at #19 for value in jazz studies this year. Set in the city of Kalamazoo, Western Michigan University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,987, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the jazz studies program here. Jazz Studies graduates of Western Michigan University earn a median of $29,946 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.

20

The University Of Texas At Austin
Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best value jazz studies schools. The University Of Texas At Austin is a very large public school located in the city of Austin. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Typical student debt for jazz studies graduates is $26,000. Soon after graduation, jazz studies degree recipients from The University Of Texas At Austin generally make around $27,179. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 27%.

21

University Of Missouri Columbia
Columbia, MO

University Of Missouri Columbia landed the #21 spot for jazz studies value this year. Set in the city of Columbia, University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,837, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. Typical student debt for jazz studies graduates is $27,000. Jazz Studies graduates of University Of Missouri Columbia earn a median of $35,939 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.

22

University Of Central Oklahoma
Edmond, OK

University Of Central Oklahoma landed the #22 spot for jazz studies value this year. Set in the suburb of Edmond, University Of Central Oklahoma is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,818 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,704. Typical student debt for jazz studies graduates is $23,125. Soon after graduation, jazz studies degree recipients from University Of Central Oklahoma generally make around $31,933. That is a strong return on a $23,125 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.

23

Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University came in at #23 for value in jazz studies this year. Michigan State University is a very large public school located in the city of East Lansing. Students from in state pay about $18,079 in tuition and fees, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Jazz Studies graduates carry a median of $26,750 in student loans. Early-career jazz studies graduates make about $42,484. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Michigan State University admits about 85% of applicants.

24

Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University placed #24 among the best values for jazz studies. Texas Tech University is a very large public school located in the city of Lubbock. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Students borrow a median of $27,816 to complete the jazz studies program here. Soon after graduation, jazz studies degree recipients from Texas Tech University generally make around $50,332. Set against $27,816 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%.

25

Bowling Green State University Main Campus
Bowling Green, OH

Bowling Green State University Main Campus came in at #25 for value in jazz studies this year. Located in the town of Bowling Green, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $13,912, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the jazz studies program here. Early-career jazz studies graduates make about $34,486. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bowling Green State University Main Campus admits about 81% of applicants.