by our College Data Analytics Team
[Music Education](/majors/education/teacher-education-and-development/music-education/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 8 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for music education students.
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Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in music education, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked Copiah Lincoln Community College the best value for a degree in music education in Mississippi. Copiah Lincoln Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Wesson. In-state tuition and fees average $4,200, with out-of-state students paying around $5,200. Graduates go on to earn a median of $31,241 ten years after entry.
A rank of #2 makes Delta State University one of the best values for music education. Delta State University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Cleveland. Students from in state pay about $8,605 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete the music education program here. Music Education graduates of Delta State University earn a median of $32,898 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in music education will find it at William Carey University, which ranked #3. William Carey University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Hattiesburg. In-state tuition and fees average $15,480. Music Education graduates carry a median of $25,524 in student loans. Music Education graduates of William Carey University earn a median of $52,790 early in their careers. Set against $25,524 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. William Carey University admits about 60% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in music education will find it at Mississippi State University, which ranked #4. Mississippi State University is a very large public school located in the town of Mississippi State. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,202, compared with $27,637 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for music education graduates is $15,750. Music Education graduates of Mississippi State University earn a median of $44,420 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Southern Mississippi earned it the #5 place for music education. Set in the city of Hattiesburg, University Of Southern Mississippi is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,998, with out-of-state students paying around $11,998. Students borrow a median of $25,415 to complete the music education program here. Early-career music education graduates make about $52,338. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.
Jackson State University landed the #6 spot for music education value this year. Set in the city of Jackson, Jackson State University is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,965, while out-of-state students pay about $11,965. Music Education graduates carry a median of $28,875 in student loans. Music Education graduates of Jackson State University earn a median of $36,845 early in their careers. Set against $28,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Jackson State University admits about 93% of applicants.
Blue Mountain College placed #7 among the best values for music education. Located in the rural area of Blue Mountain, Blue Mountain College is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $20,180 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for music education graduates is $22,542. Early-career music education graduates make about $37,760. That is a strong return on a $22,542 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%.
Mississippi College came in at #8 for value in music education this year. Set in the suburb of Clinton, Mississippi College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $23,500 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for music education graduates is $26,000. Music Education graduates of Mississippi College earn a median of $39,558 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mississippi College admits about 29% of applicants.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 8 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 8 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.