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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 Ohio
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
Youngstown State University earned the #1 spot for value among music theory & composition schools in Ohio. Set in the city of Youngstown, Youngstown State University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Students borrow a median of $26,373 to complete the music theory & composition program here. Soon after graduation, music theory & composition degree recipients from Youngstown State University generally make around $34,657. Set against $26,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Youngstown State University admits about 84% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Ohio State University Main Campus earned it the #2 place for music theory & composition. Set in the city of Columbus, Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,244, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Typical student debt for music theory & composition graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, music theory & composition degree recipients from Ohio State University Main Campus generally make around $58,088. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.
Stark State College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in music theory & composition, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the suburb of North Canton, Stark State College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,790, compared with $7,886 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,349 to complete the music theory & composition program here. Music Theory & Composition graduates of Stark State College earn a median of $42,724 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Kent State University At Kent is a great value for students pursuing a degree in music theory & composition, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Kent, Kent State University At Kent is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $12,220 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,575. Typical student debt for music theory & composition graduates is $28,000. Early-career music theory & composition graduates make about $24,340. Set against $28,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #5 makes Ohio University Main Campus one of the best values for music theory & composition. Ohio University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the town of Athens. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,158, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for music theory & composition graduates is $27,000. Early-career music theory & composition graduates make about $34,193. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants.
ADBLOCK #101
Bowling Green State University Main Campus came in at #6 for value in music theory & composition this year. Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a large public school located in the town of Bowling Green. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,912, while out-of-state students pay about $21,900. Typical student debt for music theory & composition graduates is $27,000. Music Theory & Composition graduates of Bowling Green State University Main Campus earn a median of $27,559 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 81%.
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus landed the #7 spot for music theory & composition value this year. Located in the city of Cincinnati, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,363, with out-of-state students paying around $28,697. Music Theory & Composition graduates carry a median of $23,946 in student loans. Early-career music theory & composition graduates make about $22,533. Set against $23,946 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants.
Capital University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value music theory & composition schools. Located in the suburb of Columbus, Capital University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $43,234. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the music theory & composition program here. Music Theory & Composition graduates of Capital University earn a median of $46,516 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 70%.
Cedarville University came in at #9 for value in music theory & composition this year. Located in the rural area of Cedarville, Cedarville University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,150. Music Theory & Composition graduates carry a median of $22,110 in student loans. Soon after graduation, music theory & composition degree recipients from Cedarville University generally make around $57,104. Set against $22,110 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cedarville University admits about 65% of applicants.
Baldwin Wallace College placed #10 among the best values for music theory & composition. Baldwin Wallace College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Berea. Students from in state pay about $39,832 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for music theory & composition graduates is $27,000. Music Theory & Composition graduates of Baldwin Wallace College earn a median of $46,668 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%.
[Music Theory & Composition](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/music/music-theory-and-composition/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong music theory & composition education at a price that pays off.
