DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/music/music-other/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/music/music-other/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/music/music-other/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/music/music-other/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/music/music-other/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/music/music-other/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/music/music-other/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: No offers_data.offers found, showing generic ESYOH widget
2026 Best Value Other Music Schools in California
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in other music, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Other Music Schools
Our analysis ranked California State University Northridge the best value for a degree in other music in California. California State University Northridge is a very large public school located in the city of Northridge. Students from in state pay about $7,458 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,058. Students borrow a median of $15,933 to complete the other music program here. Other Music graduates of California State University Northridge earn a median of $28,106 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,933 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #2 makes University Of California San Diego one of the best values for other music. University Of California San Diego is a very large public school located in the city of La Jolla. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,788, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. Other Music graduates carry a median of $18,938 in student loans. Soon after graduation, other music degree recipients from University Of California San Diego generally make around $21,592. Set against $18,938 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 27%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of California Irvine earned it the #3 place for other music. Set in the city of Irvine, University Of California Irvine is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,752 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $46,640. Students borrow a median of $16,539 to complete the other music program here. Other Music graduates of University Of California Irvine earn a median of $50,958 early in their careers. Set against $16,539 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Irvine admits about 29% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of California Riverside earned it the #4 place for other music. Located in the city of Riverside, University Of California Riverside is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $14,636, with out-of-state students paying around $46,524. Typical student debt for other music graduates is $26,651. Early-career other music graduates make about $20,408. Set against $26,651 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.
California State University Chico is a great value for students pursuing a degree in other music, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Chico, California State University Chico is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,472, while out-of-state students pay about $21,072. Students borrow a median of $24,125 to complete the other music program here. Other Music graduates of California State University Chico earn a median of $45,591 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.
ADBLOCK #101
Concordia University Irvine placed #6 among the best values for other music. Set in the city of Irvine, Concordia University Irvine is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $43,480. Typical student debt for other music graduates is $26,085. Other Music graduates of Concordia University Irvine earn a median of $58,590 early in their careers. Set against $26,085 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted.
Biola University earned the #7 position for value in other music this year. Set in the suburb of La Mirada, Biola University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $48,984. Students borrow a median of $26,417 to complete the other music program here. Early-career other music graduates make about $19,978. That is a strong return on a $26,417 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%.
University Of Southern California landed the #8 spot for other music value this year. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,647. Other Music graduates carry a median of $20,976 in student loans. Other Music graduates of University Of Southern California earn a median of $23,244 early in their careers. Set against $20,976 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Southern California admits about 10% of applicants.
Musicians Institute placed #9 among the best values for other music. Located in the city of Hollywood, Musicians Institute is a small private for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $32,414. Median earnings reach $32,778 ten years out. Musicians Institute admits about 78% of applicants.
Academy Of Art University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value other music schools. Set in the city of San Francisco, Academy Of Art University is a moderately-sized private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,736. Typical student debt for other music graduates is $30,949. Other Music graduates of Academy Of Art University earn a median of $34,782 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $30,949 median debt.
[Other Music](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/music/music-other/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
