2026 Best Colleges for Music

We rigorously analyzed a host of variables to determine what colleges and universities offer the best Music programs in America. The list includes 1055 programs and you can sort by average salary, debt, acceptance rate and more to hone in on the the best programs for you.

If you’re still wondering whether Music is the right field of study for you, check out our guide to majoring in Music: what you can do with the major, how much you’ll make, and more.

For the purposes of these rankings we prioritized earnings after graduation 6 years and 10 years out for students that majored in Music. Please note that earnings are one metric of success that can be used to judge a Music program, but are by no means the best or only option. However, because this variable is provided by the vast majority of universities offering Music we used it as the primary method or ordering the best universities for Music.

By scrolling all the way through the list you’ll find every college or university that offers a Music in America.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Universities offering Music Majors and Degrees

What is the best university for majoring in Music?

University of Houston (UH) is the best university for majoring in Music based on earnings data. On average, graduates from University of Houston (UH) earned an average of $49,344 2 years after graduating.

What is the cheapest university for majoring in Music?

Curtis Institute of Music is the cheapest university for majoring in Music based on the Department of Education tuition data. On average, students pay $2,525 to attend Curtis Institute of Music.

What is the most expensive university for majoring in Music?

Columbia University in the City of New York is the most expensive university for majoring in Music based on the Department of Education tuition data. On average, students pay $53,000 to attend Columbia University in the City of New York.