2026 Best Value Jazz Studies Schools in California

1

University Of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

Leading the list is University Of California Los Angeles, our #1 best value for jazz studies in California. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,119 to complete the jazz studies program here. Jazz Studies graduates of University Of California Los Angeles earn a median of $18,823 early in their careers. Set against $23,119 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA

University Of Southern California came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value jazz studies schools. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $71,647 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for jazz studies graduates is $20,976. Jazz Studies graduates of University Of Southern California earn a median of $23,244 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,976 median debt. Roughly 10% of applicants are accepted.

3

San Francisco Conservatory Of Music
San Francisco, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at San Francisco Conservatory Of Music earned it the #3 place for jazz studies. San Francisco Conservatory Of Music is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of San Francisco. In-state tuition and fees average $56,150. Typical student debt for jazz studies graduates is $27,000. Early-career jazz studies graduates make about $32,882. The acceptance rate is 55%.

4

California Institute Of The Arts
Valencia, CA

California Institute Of The Arts is a great value for students pursuing a degree in jazz studies, landing the #4 spot this year. California Institute Of The Arts is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Valencia. Students from in state pay about $58,996 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,125 to complete the jazz studies program here. Soon after graduation, jazz studies degree recipients from California Institute Of The Arts generally make around $18,373. That is a strong return on a $23,125 median debt. California Institute Of The Arts admits about 32% of applicants.