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Featured Music Theory & Composition Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
MBA in Music Business
Earn the music business degree that fits into the business world – and partners Southern New Hampshire University with world-renowned Berklee College of Music.
Learn More
2026 Best Value Music Theory & Composition Schools in the United States
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the music theory & composition degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Music Theory & Composition Schools
For return on investment in music theory & composition, no school beat El Centro College this year. Located in the city of Dallas, El Centro College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,730, while out-of-state students pay about $6,900. Typical student debt for music theory & composition graduates is $14,557. Music Theory & Composition graduates of El Centro College earn a median of $41,295 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,557 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Los Angeles Film School earned it the #2 place for music theory & composition. Set in the city of Hollywood, Los Angeles Film School is a moderately-sized private for-profit institution. Typical student debt for music theory & composition graduates is $22,625. Music Theory & Composition graduates of Los Angeles Film School earn a median of $21,399 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,625 median debt.
A rank of #3 makes Musicians Institute one of the best values for music theory & composition. Located in the city of Hollywood, Musicians Institute is a small private for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $32,414. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,778 ten years after entry. Musicians Institute admits about 78% of applicants.
Los Angeles Music Academy is a great value for students pursuing a degree in music theory & composition, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Pasadena, Los Angeles Music Academy is a small private for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $29,190. Typical student debt for music theory & composition graduates is $37,296. Early-career music theory & composition graduates make about $24,059. Set against $37,296 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Los Angeles Music Academy admits about 88% of applicants.
Other Music Theory & Composition Degree Levels
Looking for a different degree level? Compare best-value Music Theory & Composition rankings across degree levels:
[Music Theory & Composition](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/music/music-theory-and-composition/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
