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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 New England Region
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in music theory & composition, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Music Theory & Composition Schools
Our analysis ranked University Of Southern Maine the best value for a degree in music theory & composition in the New England Region. Located in the city of Portland, University Of Southern Maine is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $12,090 in tuition and fees, compared with $29,940 for out-of-state students. Music Theory & Composition graduates carry a median of $23,593 in student loans. Early-career music theory & composition graduates make about $47,003. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Southern Maine admits about 79% of applicants.
Western Connecticut State University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value music theory & composition schools. Set in the city of Danbury, Western Connecticut State University is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,401 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,901. Music Theory & Composition graduates carry a median of $26,025 in student loans. Music Theory & Composition graduates of Western Connecticut State University earn a median of $21,659 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,025 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes Keene State College one of the best values for music theory & composition. Located in the town of Keene, Keene State College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $14,784, compared with $26,840 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for music theory & composition graduates is $26,185. Music Theory & Composition graduates of Keene State College earn a median of $41,049 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
Boston University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value music theory & composition schools. Located in the city of Boston, Boston University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,102. Students borrow a median of $26,957 to complete the music theory & composition program here. Soon after graduation, music theory & composition degree recipients from Boston University generally make around $30,982. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 11%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Yale University earned it the #5 place for music theory & composition. Yale University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of New Haven. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,250. Music Theory & Composition graduates carry a median of $14,357 in student loans. Early-career music theory & composition graduates make about $21,250. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 4%.
ADBLOCK #101
University Of Hartford earned the #6 position for value in music theory & composition this year. Set in the city of West Hartford, University Of Hartford is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $49,075 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the music theory & composition program here. Early-career music theory & composition graduates make about $26,775. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.
Bennington College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value music theory & composition schools. Located in the town of Bennington, Bennington College is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $66,262. Typical student debt for music theory & composition graduates is $26,815. Music Theory & Composition graduates of Bennington College earn a median of $29,031 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 44%.
The New England Conservatory Of Music ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value music theory & composition schools. Located in the city of Boston, The New England Conservatory Of Music is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $60,750. Music Theory & Composition graduates carry a median of $26,991 in student loans. Early-career music theory & composition graduates make about $24,499. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 41%.
Longy School Of Music Of Bard College landed the #9 spot for music theory & composition value this year. Longy School Of Music Of Bard College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Cambridge. In-state tuition and fees average $55,275. Music Theory & Composition graduates of Longy School Of Music Of Bard College earn a median of $30,660 early in their careers.
Berklee College Of Music earned the #10 position for value in music theory & composition this year. Berklee College Of Music is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Boston. Students from in state pay about $52,040 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,979 to complete the music theory & composition program here. Soon after graduation, music theory & composition degree recipients from Berklee College Of Music generally make around $21,670. That is a strong return on a $24,979 median debt. The acceptance rate is 44%.
Narrow Music Theory & Composition Schools by State
[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.
