2026 Best Value Music Theory & Composition Schools in Texas
[Music Theory & Composition](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/music/music-theory-and-composition/) 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.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 17 schools to find the best return on investment for music theory & composition students.
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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.
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2026 Best Value Music Theory & Composition Schools in Texas
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
Leading the list is El Centro College, our #1 best value for music theory & composition in Texas. Located in the city of Dallas, El Centro College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,730, compared with $6,900 for out-of-state students. Music Theory & Composition graduates carry a median of $14,557 in student loans. 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.
Students looking for strong value in music theory & composition will find it at Rice University, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Houston, Rice University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,247. Students borrow a median of $11,904 to complete the music theory & composition program here. Soon after graduation, music theory & composition degree recipients from Rice University generally make around $30,454. That is a strong return on a $11,904 median debt. Rice University admits about 8% of applicants.
University Of North Texas came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value music theory & composition schools. Located in the city of Denton, University Of North Texas is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,309, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for music theory & composition graduates is $24,456. Music Theory & Composition graduates of University Of North Texas earn a median of $36,763 early in their careers. Set against $24,456 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.
The University Of Texas At Austin is a great value for students pursuing a degree in music theory & composition, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Austin, The University Of Texas At Austin is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Music Theory & Composition graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Early-career music theory & composition graduates make about $33,937. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in music theory & composition will find it at Texas Tech University, which ranked #5. Texas Tech University is a very large public school located in the city of Lubbock. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Typical student debt for music theory & composition graduates is $27,816. Early-career music theory & composition graduates make about $39,571. Set against $27,816 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants.
Texas Christian University landed the #6 spot for music theory & composition value this year. Located in the city of Fort Worth, Texas Christian University is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,740. Typical student debt for music theory & composition graduates is $23,500. Soon after graduation, music theory & composition degree recipients from Texas Christian University generally make around $60,035. Set against $23,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 44% of applicants are accepted.
Southern Methodist University placed #7 among the best values for music theory & composition. Set in the suburb of Dallas, Southern Methodist University is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,040. Music Theory & Composition graduates carry a median of $18,417 in student loans. Early-career music theory & composition graduates make about $26,308. Set against $18,417 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Methodist University admits about 63% of applicants.
Baylor University landed the #8 spot for music theory & composition value this year. Located in the city of Waco, Baylor University is a very large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $58,100. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the music theory & composition program here. Soon after graduation, music theory & composition degree recipients from Baylor University generally make around $10,210. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 51%.
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Notes and References
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 17 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
