by our College Data Analytics Team
[Stringed Instruments](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/music/stringed-instruments/) 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 8 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for stringed instruments 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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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the stringed instruments degrees they offer, see the list below.
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania tops our 2026 list of the best value stringed instruments schools in the Middle Atlantic Region. Set in the suburb of West Chester, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,775, compared with $22,599 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,258 ten years after entry. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Carnegie Mellon University earned it the #2 place for stringed instruments. Carnegie Mellon University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Pittsburgh. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,636. Typical student debt for stringed instruments graduates is $24,431. Soon after graduation, stringed instruments degree recipients from Carnegie Mellon University generally make around $23,278. That is a strong return on a $24,431 median debt. Carnegie Mellon University admits about 12% of applicants.
Catholic University Of America came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value stringed instruments schools. Located in the city of Washington, Catholic University Of America is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $58,378. Students borrow a median of $24,625 to complete the stringed instruments program here. Stringed Instruments graduates of Catholic University Of America earn a median of $65,120 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,625 median debt. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #4 makes The Juilliard School one of the best values for stringed instruments. The Juilliard School is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of New York. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $57,950. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the stringed instruments program here. Early-career stringed instruments graduates make about $14,101. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The Juilliard School admits about 9% of applicants.
A rank of #5 makes Syracuse University one of the best values for stringed instruments. Located in the city of Syracuse, Syracuse University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,528. Stringed Instruments graduates carry a median of $26,130 in student loans. Early-career stringed instruments graduates make about $54,785. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Syracuse University admits about 46% of applicants.
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Manhattan School Of Music ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value stringed instruments schools. Manhattan School Of Music is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of New York. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $57,050. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the stringed instruments program here. Soon after graduation, stringed instruments degree recipients from Manhattan School Of Music generally make around $18,441. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 41%.
The New School ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value stringed instruments schools. Located in the city of New York, The New School is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $58,730. Students borrow a median of $24,000 to complete the stringed instruments program here. Stringed Instruments graduates of The New School earn a median of $15,510 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 64%.
This list is compiled 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.
