by our College Data Analytics Team
[Music](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/music/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. 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 8 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for music students.
What’s on this page:
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.
For return on investment in music, no school beat Brigham Young University Idaho this year. Located in the town of Rexburg, Brigham Young University Idaho is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,800. Students borrow a median of $13,541 to complete the music program here. Early-career music graduates make about $43,853. That is a strong return on a $13,541 median debt. Brigham Young University Idaho admits about 96% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in music will find it at University Of Idaho, which ranked #2. University Of Idaho is a large public school located in the town of Moscow. In-state tuition and fees average $9,084, while out-of-state students pay about $28,320. Music graduates carry a median of $23,844 in student loans. Soon after graduation, music degree recipients from University Of Idaho generally make around $30,191. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Idaho admits about 76% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in music will find it at Idaho State University, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Pocatello, Idaho State University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,610 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. Typical student debt for music graduates is $24,640. Music graduates of Idaho State University earn a median of $51,446 early in their careers. Set against $24,640 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Boise State University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value music schools. Boise State University is a very large public school located in the city of Boise. Students from in state pay about $9,048 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,788. Typical student debt for music graduates is $24,311. Early-career music graduates make about $49,059. That is a strong return on a $24,311 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%.
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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 · 8 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
