by our College Data Analytics Team
[Music Performance](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/music/music-performance/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 4 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value music performance schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in music performance, balancing cost against outcomes.
Utah Valley University earned the #1 spot for value among music performance schools in Utah. 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. Typical student debt for music performance graduates is $16,478. Early-career music performance graduates make about $24,952. Set against $16,478 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #2 makes Weber State University one of the best values for music performance. Set in the city of Ogden, Weber State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,557, compared with $17,545 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for music performance graduates is $19,176. Soon after graduation, music performance degree recipients from Weber State University generally make around $53,920. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #3 makes Southern Utah University one of the best values for music performance. Southern Utah University is a very large public school located in the town of Cedar City. Students from in state pay about $6,962 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,192. Music Performance graduates carry a median of $12,886 in student loans. Soon after graduation, music performance degree recipients from Southern Utah University generally make around $44,998. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.
Brigham Young University Provo came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value music performance schools. Located in the city of Provo, Brigham Young University Provo is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. Students borrow a median of $10,460 to complete the music performance program here. Music Performance graduates of Brigham Young University Provo earn a median of $22,625 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $10,460 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.
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 · 4 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.