by our College Data Analytics Team
[Other Music](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/music/music-other/) 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 7 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for other music students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in other music, balancing cost against outcomes.
Capital University tops our 2026 list of the best value other music schools in Ohio. Set in the suburb of Columbus, Capital University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $43,234 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the other music program here. Early-career other music graduates make about $33,143. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 70%.
Case Western Reserve University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in other music, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $66,608 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for other music graduates is $25,106. Soon after graduation, other music degree recipients from Case Western Reserve University generally make around $74,459. Set against $25,106 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 36% of applicants are accepted.
Oberlin College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value other music schools. Located in the town of Oberlin, Oberlin College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $67,366 in tuition and fees. Other Music graduates carry a median of $26,200 in student loans. Early-career other music graduates make about $17,141. That is a strong return on a $26,200 median debt. The acceptance rate is 34%.
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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 · 7 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.