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

10 Colleges in the United States
279 Music Degrees Awarded
$36,636 Avg Early-Career Salary

Music is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. The schools below stand out for the quality of their music programs.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 27 schools to find the best for music students.

What’s on this page:

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Best Schools for Music in Wisconsin

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall music education in Wisconsin.

Top Schools in Music

1

University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in music. Located in the city of Eau Claire, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a large public university. Roughly 65% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 54 music students who graduated with this degree at University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire in the most recent data year. Students who receive their music degree from University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire earn around $43,764 in the first couple years of their career. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire graduates carry a median of $26,637 in student loans. More information about a degree in music from University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire

2
Lawrence University crest
Lawrence University
Appleton, WI

Lawrence University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in music, ranking #2. Lawrence University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Appleton. The six-year graduation rate is 77%. There were roughly 51 music students who graduated with this degree at Lawrence University in the most recent data year. Lawrence University graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. Get the full music details for Lawrence University

3

Students looking for a strong music program will find one at University Of Wisconsin Madison, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public university. About 90% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 49 music students who graduated with this degree at University Of Wisconsin Madison in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, music degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Madison generally make around $31,552. Typical student debt for the program is $21,813. Read more about the music program at University Of Wisconsin Madison

4

University Of Wisconsin Whitewater came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best music schools. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a large public school located in the town of Whitewater. The six-year graduation rate is 63%. About 26 music degrees were awarded at University Of Wisconsin Whitewater in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, music degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Whitewater generally make around $31,134. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in music from University Of Wisconsin Whitewater

5

University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best music schools. This moderately-sized public university is located in the town of Stevens Point. About 56% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 13 music students who graduated with this degree at University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, music degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point generally make around $41,256. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point graduates carry a median of $24,850 in student loans. More information about a degree in music from University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point

6

University Of Wisconsin Platteville landed the #6 spot for music this year. Located in the town of Platteville, University Of Wisconsin Platteville is a moderately-sized public university. Roughly 61% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of Wisconsin Platteville awarded about 14 music degrees in the most recent data year. Music graduates of University Of Wisconsin Platteville earn a median of $56,998 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $23,677 to complete this degree. Get the full music details for University Of Wisconsin Platteville

7

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee landed the #7 spot for music this year. Set in the city of Milwaukee, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a very large public institution. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee graduates 53% of students within six years. There were roughly 49 music students who graduated with this degree at University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee in the most recent data year. Students who receive their music degree from University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee earn around $27,478 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $25,750 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in music from University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee

8
Carthage College crest
Carthage College
Kenosha, WI

Carthage College placed #8 among the best music schools. Set in the city of Kenosha, Carthage College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Carthage College graduates 64% of students within six years. There were roughly 23 music students who graduated with this degree at Carthage College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the music program make about $24,273 in their early career. Carthage College graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. More information about a degree in music from Carthage College

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Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 27 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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