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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Music Schools in Georgia

10 Colleges in the United States
$22,525 Avg Student Debt
$48,060 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Music Badge [Music](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/music/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 37 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for music students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Music Schools in Georgia

If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the music degrees they offer, see the list below.

Best Value Music Schools

1

University Of Georgia earned the #1 spot for value among music schools in Georgia. University Of Georgia is a very large public school located in the city of Athens. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for music graduates is $22,344. Music graduates of University Of Georgia earn a median of $24,514 early in their careers. Set against $22,344 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants.

2

Students looking for strong value in music will find it at Valdosta State University, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Valdosta, Valdosta State University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,124 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,836. Students borrow a median of $28,661 to complete the music program here. Early-career music graduates make about $44,914. Set against $28,661 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%.

3

Columbus State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in music, landing the #3 spot this year. Columbus State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Columbus. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,898, with out-of-state students paying around $17,610. Typical student debt for music graduates is $27,000. Music graduates of Columbus State University earn a median of $51,154 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.

4

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of West Georgia earned it the #4 place for music. Located in the town of Carrollton, University Of West Georgia is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,088, with out-of-state students paying around $17,800. Music graduates carry a median of $26,789 in student loans. Music graduates of University Of West Georgia earn a median of $46,432 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,789 median debt. University Of West Georgia admits about 52% of applicants.

5

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Georgia State University earned it the #5 place for music. Georgia State University is a very large public school located in the city of Atlanta. In-state tuition and fees average $8,664, compared with $24,840 for out-of-state students. Music graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, music degree recipients from Georgia State University generally make around $29,304. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Georgia State University admits about 55% of applicants.

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6

American Intercontinental University Atlanta landed the #6 spot for music value this year. American Intercontinental University Atlanta is a small private for-profit school located in the city of Atlanta. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,527. Music graduates carry a median of $9,500 in student loans. Music graduates of American Intercontinental University Atlanta earn a median of $22,690 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

7

Kennesaw State University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value music schools. Located in the suburb of Kennesaw, Kennesaw State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,808, while out-of-state students pay about $17,736. Students borrow a median of $23,400 to complete the music program here. Music graduates of Kennesaw State University earn a median of $53,824 early in their careers. Set against $23,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted.

8

Atlanta Institute Of Music And Media earned the #8 position for value in music this year. Located in the suburb of Duluth, Atlanta Institute Of Music And Media is a small private for-profit university. Typical student debt for music graduates is $16,507. Soon after graduation, music degree recipients from Atlanta Institute Of Music And Media generally make around $20,098. Set against $16,507 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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Notes and References

The ranking above is published 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 · 37 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 10 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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