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Featured Music 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.
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2026 Best Value Music Schools in Massachusetts
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in music, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Music Schools
University Of Massachusetts Boston earned the #1 spot for value among music schools in Massachusetts. Located in the city of Boston, University Of Massachusetts Boston is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,898 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,115. Students borrow a median of $26,236 to complete the music program here. Early-career music graduates make about $52,885. That is a strong return on a $26,236 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in music will find it at University Of Massachusetts Lowell, which ranked #2. University Of Massachusetts Lowell is a very large public school located in the suburb of Lowell. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,966, while out-of-state students pay about $36,264. Typical student debt for music graduates is $27,000. Early-career music graduates make about $35,311. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Massachusetts Lowell admits about 83% of applicants.
University Of Massachusetts Amherst came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value music schools. Set in the city of Amherst, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,772, compared with $40,449 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for music graduates is $27,000. Early-career music graduates make about $30,429. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Massachusetts Amherst admits about 60% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Boston University earned it the #4 place for music. Set in the city of Boston, Boston University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,102. Music graduates carry a median of $26,957 in student loans. Soon after graduation, music degree recipients from Boston University generally make around $30,982. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Boston University admits about 11% of applicants.
Northeastern University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in music, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Boston, Northeastern University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $66,162 in tuition and fees. Music graduates carry a median of $26,568 in student loans. Soon after graduation, music degree recipients from Northeastern University generally make around $21,978. That is a strong return on a $26,568 median debt. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted.
ADBLOCK #101
The New England Conservatory Of Music came in at #6 for value in music this year. Located in the city of Boston, The New England Conservatory Of Music is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $60,750 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,991 to complete the music program here. Music graduates of The New England Conservatory Of Music earn a median of $24,499 early in their careers. Set against $26,991 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 41% of applicants are accepted.
Longy School Of Music Of Bard College came in at #7 for value in music this year. Set in the city of Cambridge, Longy School Of Music Of Bard College is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $55,275. Music graduates of Longy School Of Music Of Bard College earn a median of $30,660 early in their careers.
Berklee College Of Music placed #8 among the best values for music. Berklee College Of Music is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Boston. In-state tuition and fees average $52,040. Music graduates carry a median of $24,979 in student loans. Early-career music graduates make about $21,670. Set against $24,979 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Berklee College Of Music admits about 44% of applicants.
[Music](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/music/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
