by our College Data Analytics Team
[Music](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/music/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 10 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.
Leading the list is Snow College, our #1 best value for music in Utah. Set in the town of Ephraim, Snow College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,338, while out-of-state students pay about $14,288. Typical student debt for music graduates is $10,440. Soon after graduation, music degree recipients from Snow College generally make around $42,776. Set against $10,440 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in music will find it at Utah Valley University, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Orem, Utah Valley University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,507, compared with $18,489 for out-of-state students. Music graduates carry a median of $16,478 in student loans. Music graduates of Utah Valley University earn a median of $24,952 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #3 makes Weber State University one of the best values for music. Located in the city of Ogden, Weber State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,557, while out-of-state students pay about $17,545. Typical student debt for music graduates is $19,176. Soon after graduation, music degree recipients from Weber State University generally make around $53,920. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Students looking for strong value in music will find it at Southern Utah University, which ranked #4. Located in the town of Cedar City, Southern Utah University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,962, while out-of-state students pay about $21,192. Typical student debt for music graduates is $12,886. Early-career music graduates make about $44,998. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Utah University admits about 82% of applicants.
Utah State University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value music schools. Located in the city of Logan, Utah State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,560, with out-of-state students paying around $24,993. Students borrow a median of $13,500 to complete the music program here. Early-career music graduates make about $22,983. Set against $13,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%.
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University Of Utah landed the #6 spot for music value this year. University Of Utah is a very large public school located in the city of Salt Lake City. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,620, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. Typical student debt for music graduates is $16,500. Music graduates of University Of Utah earn a median of $42,548 early in their careers. Set against $16,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%.
Brigham Young University Provo came in at #7 for value in music this year. Located in the city of Provo, Brigham Young University Provo is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Students borrow a median of $10,460 to complete the music program here. Soon after graduation, music degree recipients from Brigham Young University Provo generally make around $22,625. Set against $10,460 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.
This ranking is produced 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 · 10 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
