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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Music Theory & Composition Associate’s Degree Schools

1 Colleges in the United States
115 Music Theory & Composition Degrees Awarded
$21,399 Avg Early-Career Salary

Music Theory & Composition programs are offered at a focused set of schools across the country. The schools below stand out for the quality of their music theory & composition programs.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 213 schools to find the best for music theory & composition students.

What’s on this page:

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Best Schools for Music Theory & Composition in the United States

Below are the best music theory & composition schools at the associate’s degree level, ranked by the quality of the education they deliver.

Top Schools in Music Theory & Composition

1
Musicians Institute crest
Musicians Institute
Hollywood, CA

Musicians Institute is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in music theory & composition. This small private for-profit university is located in the city of Hollywood. About 47% of students finish within six years. Musicians Institute awarded about 10 music theory & composition degrees in the most recent data year. Read more about the music theory & composition program at Musicians Institute

2

Los Angeles Film School is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in music theory & composition, landing the #2 spot this year. Los Angeles Film School is a moderately-sized private for-profit school located in the city of Hollywood. The six-year graduation rate is 34%. Los Angeles Film School awarded about 105 music theory & composition degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, music theory & composition degree recipients from Los Angeles Film School generally make around $21,399. Students borrow a median of $22,625 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in music theory & composition from Los Angeles Film School

Other Music Theory & Composition Degree Levels

Looking for a different degree level? Compare Music Theory & Composition rankings across degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Music Theory & Composition
Bachelor's Degrees in Music Theory & Composition
Master's Degrees in Music Theory & Composition
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View All Music Theory & Composition Rankings >

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 213 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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