by our College Data Analytics Team
[Jazz Studies](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/music/jazz-studies/) 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 5 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for jazz studies students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the jazz studies degrees they offer, see the list below.
Wichita State University tops our 2027 list of the best value jazz studies schools in the The Plains States Region. Wichita State University is a large public school located in the city of Wichita. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,684, while out-of-state students pay about $19,869. Typical student debt for jazz studies graduates is $24,262. Early-career jazz studies graduates make about $49,278. That is a strong return on a $24,262 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Missouri Kansas City earned it the #2 place for jazz studies. Set in the city of Kansas City, University Of Missouri Kansas City is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,371, with out-of-state students paying around $32,271. Typical student debt for jazz studies graduates is $23,089. Early-career jazz studies graduates make about $32,144. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%.
University Of Northern Iowa came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value jazz studies schools. Set in the city of Cedar Falls, University Of Northern Iowa is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,936 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,712. Jazz Studies graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Jazz Studies graduates of University Of Northern Iowa earn a median of $46,054 early in their careers. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%.
Missouri State University Springfield is a great value for students pursuing a degree in jazz studies, landing the #4 spot this year. Missouri State University Springfield is a very large public school located in the city of Springfield. Students from in state pay about $9,502 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Typical student debt for jazz studies graduates is $24,408. Early-career jazz studies graduates make about $46,503. Set against $24,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Missouri Columbia earned it the #5 place for jazz studies. Located in the city of Columbia, University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the jazz studies program here. Early-career jazz studies graduates make about $53,134. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.
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 · 5 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.