by our College Data Analytics Team
[Music Performance](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/music/music-performance/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 11 schools to find the best return on investment for music performance students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in music performance, balancing cost against outcomes.
Leading the list is El Centro College, our #1 best value for music performance in the United States. Set in the city of Dallas, El Centro College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,730, compared with $6,900 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,557 to complete the music performance program here. Early-career music performance graduates make about $41,295. That is a strong return on a $14,557 median debt.
A rank of #2 makes Utah Valley University one of the best values for music performance. Set in the city of Orem, Utah Valley University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,507, compared with $18,489 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,478 to complete the music performance program here. Soon after graduation, music performance degree recipients from Utah Valley University generally make around $24,952. That is a strong return on a $16,478 median debt.
Students looking for strong value in music performance will find it at Cuny Laguardia Community College, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Long Island City, Cuny Laguardia Community College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,218, while out-of-state students pay about $8,098. Students borrow a median of $8,858 to complete the music performance program here. Early-career music performance graduates make about $31,437. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #4 makes Fresno City College one of the best values for music performance. Fresno City College is a very large public school located in the city of Fresno. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,378, compared with $8,638 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $7,234 to complete the music performance program here. Soon after graduation, music performance degree recipients from Fresno City College generally make around $37,470. Set against $7,234 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Glendale Community College Glendale Az is a great value for students pursuing a degree in music performance, landing the #5 spot this year. Glendale Community College Glendale Az is a very large public school located in the suburb of Glendale. Students from in state pay about $2,358 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for music performance graduates is $15,996. Early-career music performance graduates make about $51,483. Set against $15,996 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
South Plains College landed the #6 spot for music performance value this year. Located in the town of Levelland, South Plains College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,733, compared with $5,157 for out-of-state students. Music Performance graduates carry a median of $13,788 in student loans. Early-career music performance graduates make about $30,949. Set against $13,788 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Mesa Community College earned the #7 position for value in music performance this year. Located in the city of Mesa, Mesa Community College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,358, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for music performance graduates is $13,750. Early-career music performance graduates make about $54,730. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Onondaga Community College placed #8 among the best values for music performance. Located in the suburb of Syracuse, Onondaga Community College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $6,102 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,392 for out-of-state students. Music Performance graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Early-career music performance graduates make about $35,781. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Schenectady County Community College came in at #9 for value in music performance this year. Set in the city of Schenectady, Schenectady County Community College is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,190, while out-of-state students pay about $8,974. Median earnings reach $40,902 ten years out.
Atlanta Institute Of Music And Media landed the #10 spot for music performance value this year. Located in the suburb of Duluth, Atlanta Institute Of Music And Media is a small private for-profit university. Music Performance graduates carry a median of $19,687 in student loans. Music Performance graduates of Atlanta Institute Of Music And Media earn a median of $16,086 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Musicians Institute ranked #11 on our 2027 list of the best value music performance schools. Set in the city of Hollywood, Musicians Institute is a small private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $32,414. Median earnings reach $32,778 ten years out. The acceptance rate is 78%.
Explore the best-value music performance schools at other degree levels:
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 11 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 11 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.