2026 Best Value Music Theory & Composition Schools in Oregon

[Music Theory & Composition](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/music/music-theory-and-composition/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong music theory & composition 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 theory & composition students.
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2026 Best Value Music Theory & Composition Schools in Oregon
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the music theory & composition degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Music Theory & Composition Schools
Portland State University earned the #1 spot for value among music theory & composition schools in Oregon. Located in the city of Portland, Portland State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,118 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,136. Typical student debt for music theory & composition graduates is $27,846. Music Theory & Composition graduates of Portland State University earn a median of $17,638 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Oregon is a great value for students pursuing a degree in music theory & composition, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Eugene, University Of Oregon is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,320, with out-of-state students paying around $42,516. Music Theory & Composition graduates carry a median of $20,583 in student loans. Music Theory & Composition graduates of University Of Oregon earn a median of $20,707 early in their careers. Set against $20,583 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%.
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Notes and References
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 1 ranked schools only.
- 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).
More about our data sources and methodologies.