by our College Data Analytics Team
[Jazz Studies](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/music/jazz-studies/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 3 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for jazz studies 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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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the jazz studies degrees they offer, see the list below.
For return on investment in jazz studies, no school beat West Chester University Of Pennsylvania this year. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a large public school located in the suburb of West Chester. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,775, with out-of-state students paying around $22,599. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,258. The acceptance rate is 78%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Temple University earned it the #2 place for jazz studies. Set in the city of Philadelphia, Temple University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,005, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. Students borrow a median of $24,000 to complete the jazz studies program here. Early-career jazz studies graduates make about $20,667. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. Temple University admits about 80% of applicants.
A rank of #3 makes Carnegie Mellon University one of the best values for jazz studies. Carnegie Mellon University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Pittsburgh. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,636. Students borrow a median of $24,431 to complete the jazz studies program here. Early-career jazz studies graduates make about $89,327. That is a strong return on a $24,431 median debt. Roughly 12% of applicants are accepted.
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The ranking above is published 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 · 3 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
