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. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 15 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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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the music degrees they offer, see the list below.
Eastern Connecticut State University earned the #1 spot for value among music schools in Connecticut. Eastern Connecticut State University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Willimantic. In-state tuition and fees average $13,928, compared with $17,426 for out-of-state students. Music graduates carry a median of $24,990 in student loans. Early-career music graduates make about $39,573. That is a strong return on a $24,990 median debt. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in music will find it at Western Connecticut State University, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Danbury, Western Connecticut State University is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,401, compared with $16,901 for out-of-state students. Music graduates carry a median of $26,025 in student loans. Soon after graduation, music degree recipients from Western Connecticut State University generally make around $21,659. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes Southern Connecticut State University one of the best values for music. Southern Connecticut State University is a large public school located in the city of New Haven. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,442, with out-of-state students paying around $16,942. Typical student debt for music graduates is $24,660. Soon after graduation, music degree recipients from Southern Connecticut State University generally make around $50,876. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%.
University Of Connecticut is a great value for students pursuing a degree in music, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the town of Storrs, University Of Connecticut is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $21,044 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $43,712. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the music program here. Early-career music graduates make about $31,336. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 52%.
Yale University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value music schools. Yale University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of New Haven. Students from in state pay about $67,250 in tuition and fees. Music graduates carry a median of $14,357 in student loans. Soon after graduation, music degree recipients from Yale University generally make around $21,250. Set against $14,357 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted.
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University Of Hartford came in at #6 for value in music this year. Set in the city of West Hartford, University Of Hartford is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,075. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the music program here. Soon after graduation, music degree recipients from University Of Hartford generally make around $26,775. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%.
University Of New Haven landed the #7 spot for music value this year. Set in the suburb of West Haven, University Of New Haven is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $47,332. Typical student debt for music graduates is $27,000. Music graduates of University Of New Haven earn a median of $22,171 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted.
This list is compiled 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 · 15 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
