2026 Best Music Theory & Composition Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

1

New York University
New York, NY

New York University tops our 2026 ranking of the best music theory & composition schools. Set in the city of New York, New York University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. About 88% of students finish within six years. New York University awarded about 64 music theory & composition degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, music theory & composition degree recipients from New York University generally make around $28,287. New York University graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. More information about a degree in music theory & composition from New York University

2

Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD

A rank of #2 makes Johns Hopkins University one of the top schools for music theory & composition. Set in the city of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. There were roughly 23 music theory & composition students who graduated with this degree at Johns Hopkins University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their music theory & composition degree from Johns Hopkins University earn around $23,620 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $23,250. See the full music theory & composition program report for Johns Hopkins University

3

Cuny Brooklyn College
Brooklyn, NY

Cuny Brooklyn College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best music theory & composition schools. Set in the city of Brooklyn, Cuny Brooklyn College is a large public institution. Cuny Brooklyn College graduates 54% of students within six years. There were roughly 19 music theory & composition students who graduated with this degree at Cuny Brooklyn College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their music theory & composition degree from Cuny Brooklyn College earn around $16,996 in the first couple years of their career. Cuny Brooklyn College graduates carry a median of $13,303 in student loans. See the full music theory & composition program report for Cuny Brooklyn College

4

The New School
New York, NY

The New School is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in music theory & composition, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of New York, The New School is a large private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 70%. There were roughly 19 music theory & composition students who graduated with this degree at The New School in the most recent data year. Students who receive their music theory & composition degree from The New School earn around $15,510 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $24,000. See the full music theory & composition program report for The New School

5

Suny At Purchase College
Purchase, NY

Suny At Purchase College is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in music theory & composition, ranking #5. Suny At Purchase College is a mid-sized public school located in the suburb of Purchase. The six-year graduation rate is 63%. About 13 music theory & composition degrees were awarded at Suny At Purchase College in the most recent year. Students who receive their music theory & composition degree from Suny At Purchase College earn around $22,569 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $22,179 to complete this degree. Get the full music theory & composition details for Suny At Purchase College

6

The Juilliard School
New York, NY

The Juilliard School earned the #6 position for music theory & composition this year. Located in the city of New York, The Juilliard School is a small private not-for-profit university. About 91% of students finish within six years. The Juilliard School awarded about 18 music theory & composition degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, music theory & composition degree recipients from The Juilliard School generally make around $14,101. The Juilliard School graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Get the full music theory & composition details for The Juilliard School

7

Manhattan School Of Music
New York, NY

Manhattan School Of Music came in at #7 for music theory & composition this year. Set in the city of New York, Manhattan School Of Music is a small private not-for-profit institution. Manhattan School Of Music graduates 78% of students within six years. About 10 music theory & composition degrees were awarded at Manhattan School Of Music in the most recent year. Music Theory & Composition graduates of Manhattan School Of Music earn a median of $18,441 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $27,000. Read more about the music theory & composition program at Manhattan School Of Music