by our College Data Analytics Team
[Music](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/music/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong music education at a price that pays off.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 20 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for music students.
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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
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Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in music, balancing cost against outcomes.
For return on investment in music, no school beat Portland Community College this year. Portland Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Portland. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,220, with out-of-state students paying around $10,440. Music graduates carry a median of $20,648 in student loans. Early-career music graduates make about $49,580. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #2 makes Portland State University one of the best values for music. Set in the city of Portland, Portland State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,118, compared with $29,136 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for music graduates is $27,846. Music graduates of Portland State University earn a median of $17,638 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,846 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%.
Western Oregon University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value music schools. Located in the town of Monmouth, Western Oregon University is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $11,514 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $32,169. Typical student debt for music graduates is $24,166. Early-career music graduates make about $39,436. That is a strong return on a $24,166 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #4 makes Southern Oregon University one of the best values for music. Located in the suburb of Ashland, Southern Oregon University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,762, with out-of-state students paying around $31,887. Music graduates carry a median of $24,951 in student loans. Early-career music graduates make about $41,038. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
Oregon State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in music, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Corvallis, Oregon State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $14,400 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,190 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for music graduates is $19,184. Early-career music graduates make about $29,630. That is a strong return on a $19,184 median debt. Oregon State University admits about 77% of applicants.
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University Of Oregon came in at #6 for value in music this year. Set in the city of Eugene, University Of Oregon is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,320 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $42,516. Students borrow a median of $20,583 to complete the music program here. Early-career music graduates make about $20,707. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Oregon admits about 88% of applicants.
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 20 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
