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 schools below stand out for delivering a strong music performance education at a price that pays off.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 5 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes 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.
Our analysis ranked Utah Valley University the best value for a degree in music performance in Utah. Utah Valley University is a very large public school located in the city of Orem. Students from in state pay about $6,507 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,489. 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. Students from in state pay about $6,557 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,545. Music Performance graduates carry a median of $19,176 in student loans. Early-career music performance graduates make about $53,920. Set against $19,176 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #3 makes Southern Utah University one of the best values for music performance. Located in the town of Cedar City, Southern Utah University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,962, with out-of-state students paying around $21,192. Typical student debt for music performance graduates is $12,886. Soon after graduation, music performance degree recipients from Southern Utah University generally make around $44,998. Set against $12,886 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Utah University admits about 82% of applicants.
Brigham Young University Provo is a great value for students pursuing a degree in music performance, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Provo, Brigham Young University Provo is a very large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Students borrow a median of $10,460 to complete the music performance program here. Early-career music performance graduates make about $22,625. Set against $10,460 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants.
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 5 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.