by our College Data Analytics Team
[Keyboard Instruments](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/music/keyboard-instruments/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 12 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value keyboard instruments schools.
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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 keyboard instruments, balancing cost against outcomes.
Rice University earned the #1 spot for value among keyboard instruments schools in the Southwest Region. Set in the city of Houston, Rice University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $61,247. Keyboard Instruments graduates carry a median of $11,904 in student loans. Early-career keyboard instruments graduates make about $30,454. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 8%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Central Oklahoma earned it the #2 place for keyboard instruments. University Of Central Oklahoma is a large public school located in the suburb of Edmond. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,818, while out-of-state students pay about $19,704. Keyboard Instruments graduates carry a median of $23,125 in student loans. Early-career keyboard instruments graduates make about $44,085. That is a strong return on a $23,125 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in keyboard instruments will find it at Houston Baptist University, which ranked #3. Houston Baptist University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Houston. In-state tuition and fees average $39,430. Keyboard Instruments graduates carry a median of $25,601 in student loans. Keyboard Instruments graduates of Houston Baptist University earn a median of $57,088 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Houston Baptist University admits about 84% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Texas Tech University earned it the #4 place for keyboard instruments. Set in the city of Lubbock, Texas Tech University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Keyboard Instruments graduates carry a median of $27,816 in student loans. Soon after graduation, keyboard instruments degree recipients from Texas Tech University generally make around $39,571. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in keyboard instruments will find it at Texas Christian University, which ranked #5. Texas Christian University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Fort Worth. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,740. Typical student debt for keyboard instruments graduates is $23,500. Keyboard Instruments 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. The acceptance rate is 44%.
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Southern Methodist University came in at #6 for value in keyboard instruments this year. Southern Methodist University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Dallas. Students from in state pay about $67,040 in tuition and fees. Keyboard Instruments graduates carry a median of $18,417 in student loans. Early-career keyboard instruments graduates make about $26,308. Set against $18,417 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted.
Baylor University placed #7 among the best values for keyboard instruments. Baylor University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Waco. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $58,100. Typical student debt for keyboard instruments graduates is $27,000. Early-career keyboard instruments graduates make about $49,888. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 51%.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 12 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
