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2022 Best Value Doctor’s Degree Colleges for Music Theory & Composition (Income Over $110k)

20 Ranked Colleges
64 Degrees Awarded
$41,400 Avg Grad Tuition & Fees*
Best Vallue Music Composition Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making Over $110k

When it comes to choosing a college, students have a lot of options - but not all of them are good. College Factual has developed its “Best Vallue Music Composition Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making Over $110k” ranking as one item you can use to help make this decision.

In 2019-2020, 1,117 people earned their degree in music theory and composition, making the major the 415th most popular in the United States.

At the doctor’s degree level specifically, there were 64 music theory and composition graduates with average earnings and debt of $72,680 and $116,043 respectively.

For this year’s “Best Vallue Music Composition Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making Over $110k” ranking, we looked at 20 colleges that offer a degree in music theory and composition. Not only do the schools that top this list have excellent music theory and composition programs, but they also cost less that schools of similar quality.

When determining these rankings, we looked at things such as overall quality of the music theory and composition program at the school and the cost to attend the school once aid has been awarded. Check out our ranking methodology for more information.

More Ways to Rank Music Theory & Composition Schools

The music composition school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we’ve developed a number of major-specific rankings, including this list of “Best Vallue Music Composition Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making Over $110k”.

You can create your own custom comparison that focuses on the factors most important to you using our tool, College Combat. Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.

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Best Vallue Music Composition Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making Over $110k

The following schools top our list of the Best Best Vallue Music Composition Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making Over $110k.

Top 20 Best Value Doctor’s Degree Colleges for Music Theory & Composition (Income Over $110k)

#1

Florida State University

Tallahassee, Florida
#9 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Florida State University. The school came in at #1 for the Best Vallue Music Composition Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making Over $110k. Florida State University is a large school located in Tallahassee, Florida that handed out 6 doctorate’s music composition degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Florida State, the school also landed the #9 spot in our “Best Music Theory & Composition Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Florida State are $26,707, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full Florida State University Music Theory & Composition Report

#1 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of Michigan - Ann Arbor. The school came in at #2 for the Best Vallue Music Composition Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making Over $110k. U-M is a public institution located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The school has a large population, and it awarded 6 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

U-M not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #1 on our “Best Music Theory & Composition Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at U-M are $49,548, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Music Theory & Composition at U-M

#3

Manhattan School of Music

New York, New York
#13 in overall quality

Out of the 20 schools in the Best Vallue Music Composition Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making Over $110k that were part of this year’s ranking, Manhattan School of Music landed the #3 spot on the list. New York, New York is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out doctorate’s music composition degrees to 2 students in 2019-2020.

Manhattan School of Music not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #13 on our “Best Music Theory & Composition Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Manhattan School of Music are $49,270.

Full Manhattan School of Music Music Theory & Composition Report

#16 in overall quality

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of Missouri - Kansas City. It ranked #4 on our 2022 Best Vallue Music Composition Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making Over $110k list. Located in Kansas City, Missouri, this fairly large public school handed out 4 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s music composition students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our doctor’s degree music composition students whose families make more than $110k list, UMKC has also earned the #16 rank in our “Best Music Theory & Composition Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Missouri - Kansas City are $26,699, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full University of Missouri - Kansas City Music Theory & Composition Report

#5

University at Buffalo

Buffalo, New York
#15 in overall quality

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University at Buffalo. It ranked #5 on our 2022 Best Vallue Music Composition Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making Over $110k list. Buffalo, New York is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out doctorate’s music composition degrees to 6 students in 2019-2020.

University at Buffalo also took the #15 spot in our “Best Music Theory & Composition Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at University at Buffalo are $26,028, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Music Theory & Composition at University at Buffalo

#12 in overall quality

With a ranking of #6, University of Cincinnati - Main Campus did quite well on the 2022 Best Vallue Music Composition Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making Over $110k list. This large school is located in Cincinnati, Ohio, and it awarded 4 doctorate’s music composition degrees in 2019-2020.

UC did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #12 on our “Best Music Theory & Composition Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Cincinnati - Main Campus are $26,644, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Music Theory & Composition at UC

#7

University of Oregon

Eugene, Oregon
#14 in overall quality

University of Oregon landed the #7 spot on the 2022 Best Vallue Music Composition Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making Over $110k ranking. This large school is located in Eugene, Oregon, and it awarded 3 doctorate’s music composition degrees in 2019-2020.

UO also made our “Best Music Theory & Composition Doctor’s Degree Schools” list, coming in at #14. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Oregon are $29,991, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Music Theory & Composition at University of Oregon

#19 in overall quality

With a ranking of #8, Kent State University at Kent did quite well on the 2022 Best Vallue Music Composition Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making Over $110k list. Kent State University at Kent is a public institution located in Kent, Ohio. The school has a large population, and it awarded 1 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our doctor’s degree music composition students whose families make more than $110k list, Kent State has also earned the #19 rank in our “Best Music Theory & Composition Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Kent State University at Kent are $21,952, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Music Theory & Composition at Kent State

#9

Stanford University

Stanford, California
#3 in overall quality

With a ranking of #9, Stanford University did quite well on the 2022 Best Vallue Music Composition Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making Over $110k list. Stanford is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Stanford, California. It awarded 2 doctorate’s music composition degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Stanford, the school also landed the #3 spot in our “Best Music Theory & Composition Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Stanford are $55,011, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full Stanford University Music Theory & Composition Report

#10

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, Maryland
#5 in overall quality

Johns Hopkins University did quite well in the 2022 Best Vallue Music Composition Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making Over $110k ranking, coming in at #10. Johns Hopkins is a large school located in Baltimore, Maryland that handed out 2 doctorate’s music composition degrees in 2019-2020.

Johns Hopkins not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #5 on our “Best Music Theory & Composition Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Johns Hopkins are $59,425, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full Johns Hopkins University Music Theory & Composition Report

#11

Five Towns College

Dix Hills, New York
#20 in overall quality

Five Towns College landed the #11 spot on the 2022 Best Vallue Music Composition Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making Over $110k ranking. Five Towns College is a private for-profit institution located in Dix Hills, New York. The school has a small population, and it awarded 1 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Five Towns College not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #20 on our “Best Music Theory & Composition Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Five Towns College are $25,370.

Full Five Towns College Music Theory & Composition Report

#12

University of California - Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, California
#18 in overall quality

With a ranking of #12, University of California - Santa Cruz did quite well on the 2022 Best Vallue Music Composition Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making Over $110k list. Santa Cruz, California is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out doctorate’s music composition degrees to 3 students in 2019-2020.

UC Santa Cruz also made our “Best Music Theory & Composition Doctor’s Degree Schools” list, coming in at #18. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of California - Santa Cruz are $28,952, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Music Theory & Composition at UC Santa Cruz

#13

University of Rochester

Rochester, New York
#2 in overall quality

University of Rochester came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Vallue Music Composition Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making Over $110k ranking. Rochester, New York is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out doctorate’s music composition degrees to 4 students in 2019-2020.

University of Rochester not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #2 on our “Best Music Theory & Composition Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Rochester are $50,505, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Music Theory & Composition at University of Rochester

#14

Rice University

Houston, Texas
#7 in overall quality

Rice University came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Best Vallue Music Composition Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making Over $110k ranking. Rice is a private not-for-profit institution located in Houston, Texas. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Rice did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #7 on our “Best Music Theory & Composition Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Rice University are $47,913, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Music Theory & Composition at Rice University

#8 in overall quality

Columbia University in the City of New York did quite well in the 2022 Best Vallue Music Composition Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making Over $110k ranking, coming in at #15. Columbia University in the City of New York is located in New York, New York and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 3 doctorate’s music composition degrees to qualified students.

Columbia also made our “Best Music Theory & Composition Doctor’s Degree Schools” list, coming in at #8. Average graduate tuition and fees at Columbia University in the City of New York are $51,194, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Music Theory & Composition at Columbia

#16

Boston University

Boston, Massachusetts
#6 in overall quality

Boston University did quite well in the 2022 Best Vallue Music Composition Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making Over $110k ranking, coming in at #16. Boston University is a large private not-for-profit school situated in Boston, Massachusetts. It awarded 1 doctorate’s music composition degrees in 2019-2020.

Boston U not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #6 on our “Best Music Theory & Composition Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Boston University are $57,666.

Full Boston U Music Theory & Composition Report

#17

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, California
#4 in overall quality

University of Southern California landed the #17 spot on the 2022 Best Vallue Music Composition Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making Over $110k ranking. Los Angeles, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out doctorate’s music composition degrees to 4 students in 2019-2020.

USC also made our “Best Music Theory & Composition Doctor’s Degree Schools” list, coming in at #4. Average graduate tuition and fees at USC are $48,715, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Music Theory & Composition at USC

#18

Brandeis University

Waltham, Massachusetts
#11 in overall quality

Brandeis University ranked #18 on this year’s Best Vallue Music Composition Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making Over $110k list. Brandeis University is a medium-sized school located in Waltham, Massachusetts that handed out 3 doctorate’s music composition degrees in 2019-2020.

Brandeis also took the #11 spot in our “Best Music Theory & Composition Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Brandeis University are $52,060, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Music Theory & Composition at Brandeis University

#19

University of Miami

Coral Gables, Florida
#10 in overall quality

University of Miami came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Best Vallue Music Composition Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making Over $110k ranking. U Miami is located in Coral Gables, Florida and, has a fairly large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 3 doctorate’s music composition degrees to qualified students.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at U Miami, the school also landed the #10 spot in our “Best Music Theory & Composition Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at University of Miami are $40,220.

Read more about Music Theory & Composition at U Miami

#20

California Institute of the Arts

Valencia, California
#17 in overall quality

California Institute of the Arts ranked #20 on this year’s Best Vallue Music Composition Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making Over $110k list. CalArts is located in Valencia, California and, has a small student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 4 doctorate’s music composition degrees to qualified students.

CalArts also made our “Best Music Theory & Composition Doctor’s Degree Schools” list, coming in at #17. Average graduate tuition and fees at California Institute of the Arts are $53,466, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Music Theory & Composition at California Institute of the Arts

Notes and References

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

Read more about our data sources and methodologies

Footnotes

  • *Average salary, average net price, and average tuition and fees are for the top schools only.
  • Some schools otherwise deserving of recognition may have been removed from this ranking in the event that new data identified post-publication warranted it, or at the request of the school.

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