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Top Music Schools and Colleges by Excellence, Financial Aid, and Value

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Top Music Schools and Colleges by Excellence, Financial Aid, and Value

Published October 24, 2024 | Last Updated November 17th, 2024 at 09:02 am

Woman wearing a black dress playing violin

Choosing a top music college means balancing educational rigor, financial support, and overall value. Whether you’re pursuing classical performance, music production, or composition, this guide highlights the best U.S. music schools and colleges for undergraduates in these areas.

Excellence and Affordability at U.S. Music Schools and Colleges

Music schools and colleges across the U.S. offer various undergraduate programs that prepare students for careers in music. Prestigious music schools focus on conservatory-style training with intense specialization, while music colleges are often part of larger universities, blending specialized music education with a broader academic curriculum. 

Both types of institutions provide excellent musical training, but affordability is often a key concern for students and families. The top schools and colleges provide substantial financial aid through scholarships, need-based aid, and work-study options. 

Beyond musical training and classes, they offer invaluable career support, including performance opportunities, internships, and networking. Colleges that balance rigorous programs with financial aid ensure students can graduate with minimal debt while receiving world-class training.

Below is a list of the top 40 U.S. music schools and colleges for undergraduates, focusing on their educational excellence, financial aid, and overall value. We compared other published lists and also considered admission, cost, and financial aid statistics, as shown in the charts at the bottom.

Top Undergraduate Music Schools and Colleges in the U.S.

  1. Juilliard School   
    Juilliard remains one of the most prestigious music schools worldwide, offering exceptional conservatory training in classical performance, composition, and jazz. Its renowned faculty and location in New York City provide students with unparalleled opportunities. 
    -Location: New York City, NY 
    -Type: Private/School 
    -Top Music Majors: Classical Performance, Composition, Jazz Studies 
    -Financial Aid: Need-based scholarships and merit-based awards are available. 
     
  2. Berklee College of Music 
    Known for its contemporary music focus, Berklee provides students with hands-on experience in music production, film scoring, and performance. Its industry-oriented curriculum makes it a top choice for students pursuing careers in modern music. 
    -Location: Boston, MA 
    -Type: Private/College 
    -Top Music Majors: Music Production, Film Scoring, Performance 
    -Financial Aid: Merit-based and need-based scholarships.
  3. Curtis Institute of Music
    Curtis is one of the most selective music conservatories globally, offering a fully immersive education in classical music. All students receive full-tuition scholarships, allowing them to focus on intensive performance and academic training with world-renowned faculty in an intimate, personalized setting. Curtis emphasizes individual mentorship with its small enrollment, preparing each student for a professional career.
    -Location: Philadelphia, PA
    -Type: Private/School
    -Top Music Majors: Classical Performance, Opera
    -Financial Aid: Full-tuition scholarships for all students (merit-based)
  4. University of Southern California (USC) Thornton School of Music 
    Blending conservatory-style education with the resources of a research university, USC offers diverse programs, from classical performance to film scoring, with strong ties to the entertainment industry.
    -Location: Los Angeles, CA 
    -Type: Private/College 
    -Top Music Majors: Classical Performance, Film Scoring, Jazz Studies 
    -Financial Aid: Need-based and merit-based scholarships. 
  5. Manhattan School of Music 
    Located in New York City, the Manhattan School of Music offers world-class training in classical and jazz performance. The school’s distinguished faculty includes renowned musicians from top orchestras and ensembles. 
    -Location: New York City, NY 
    -Type: Private/School 
    -Top Music Majors: Classical Performance, Jazz Arts 
    -Financial Aid: Need-based and merit-based scholarships.   
  6. New England Conservatory of Music 
    The oldest independent music conservatory in the U.S., NEC offers classical performance and jazz studies alongside innovation in contemporary improvisation. A big bonus is Boston’s music scene. 
    -Location: Boston, MA 
    -Type: Private/School 
    -Top Music Majors: Classical Performance, Jazz Studies 
    -Financial Aid: Need-based aid and merit-based scholarships 
     
  7. Oberlin Conservatory of Music 
    As part of Oberlin College, Oberlin Conservatory integrates rigorous music training with liberal arts education, creating a collaborative environment for classical and contemporary musicians.   
    -Location: Oberlin, OH   
    -Type: Private/College   
    -Top Music Majors: Classical Performance, Composition   
    -Financial Aid: Need-based and merit-based scholarships 
     
  8. Eastman School of Music (University of Rochester) 
    Eastman is a conservatory-level school within a research university, offering programs in classical, jazz, and opera. The school emphasizes entrepreneurship in music alongside performance.   
    -Location: Rochester, NY   
    -Type: Private/College   
    -Top Music Majors: Classical Performance, Opera, Jazz Studies   
    -Financial Aid: Need-based and merit-based scholarships. 
     
  9. Indiana University Jacobs School of Music 
    One of the largest music schools in the U.S., Jacobs offers a wide range of programs, including classical performance, jazz studies, and music education, all supported by a renowned faculty and top-tier facilities.   
    -Location: Bloomington, IN   
    -Type: Public/College   
    -Top Music Majors: Classical Performance, Music Education   
    -Financial Aid: Need-based and merit-based scholarships
       
  10. University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance   
    This public institution offers a comprehensive music education, including classical performance, music education, and jazz studies, with excellent performance opportunities and facilities.   
    -Location: Ann Arbor, MI   
    -Type: Public/College   
    -Top Music Majors: Classical Performance, Music Education   
    -Financial Aid: Need-based and merit-based scholarships
       
  11. Northwestern University Bienen School of Music   
    Bienen provides conservatory-level music training within a leading research university, allowing students to pursue both academic and musical excellence.   
    -Location: Evanston, IL   
    -Type: Private/College   
    -Top Music Majors: Classical Performance, Musicology   
    -Financial Aid: Need-based and merit-based scholarships
     
  12. San Francisco Conservatory of Music   
    This conservatory offers a balanced mix of classical training and contemporary studies. It has strong connections with local arts organizations, providing unique performance and collaborative opportunities for students. 
    -Location: San Francisco, CA 
    -Type: Private/School   
    -Top Music Majors: Classical Performance, Composition 
    -Financial Aid: Need-based and merit-based scholarships. 
     
  13. Cleveland Institute of Music 
    CIM offers a focused, conservatory-style education emphasizing classical performance and opera. The institute’s small size ensures students get individual attention and mentorship.   
    -Location: Cleveland, OH 
    -Type: Private/School   
    -Top Music Majors: Classical Performance, Opera 
    -Financial Aid: Need-based and merit-based scholarships.   
  14. Rice University Shepherd School of Music   
    Rice’s Shepherd School of Music offers classical programs and performance opportunities, which include access to a new world-class music building and concert venue. 
    -Location: Houston, TX   
    -Type: Private/School   
    -Top Music Majors: Classical Performance, Composition   
    -Financial Aid: Need-based and merit-based scholarships. 
     
  15. Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University   
    Peabody offers conservatory-level training within a prestigious research university. Its strong resources complement its rigorous music performance programs.   
    -Location: Baltimore, MD   
    -Type: Private/School   
    -Top Music Majors: Classical Performance, Music Education   
    -Financial Aid: Need-based and merit-based scholarships.   
  16. University of North Texas College of Music   
    UNT provides thriving programs in jazz studies and music education. As one of the largest public music schools, it offers diverse programs and strong career preparation in a wide range of music fields.   
    -Location: Denton, TX   
    -Type: Public/College   
    -Top Music Majors: Jazz Studies, Music Education   
    -Financial Aid: Need-based and merit-based scholarships. 
     
  17. Bard College Conservatory of Music   
    Bard Conservatory offers a unique five-year double-degree program, allowing students to earn a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Arts. This combination of music and liberal arts makes Bard a strong choice for students seeking a well-rounded education. 
    Location: Annandale-on-Hudson, NY   
    -Type: Private/College 
    -Top Music Majors: Classical Performance, Composition   
    -Financial Aid: Need-based and merit-based scholarships   
  18. The Colburn School   
    Offering full-tuition scholarships to all students, Colburn provides a world-class education in classical performance emphasizing individual mentorship and artistry. Its location in Los Angeles offers extensive performance opportunities. 
    -Location: Los Angeles, CA 
    -Type: Private/School   
    -Top Music Majors: Classical Performance 
    -Financial Aid: Full-tuition scholarships for all students
       
  19. Boston Conservatory at Berklee 
    Boston Conservatory at Berklee offers conservatory-level training with a focus on classical performance, opera, and musical theater, as well as contemporary music. As part of Berklee College of Music (No. 2 on this list), students benefit from the vast resources of one of the world’s leading institutions for contemporary music, gaining access to broader performance opportunities and industry connections while receiving specialized conservatory education.   
    -Location: Boston, MA   
    -Type: Private/School   
    -Top Music Majors: Classical Performance, Contemporary Music, Opera 
    -Financial Aid: Need-based and merit-based scholarships.   
  20. Florida State University College of Music 
    FSU offers a comprehensive music education at an affordable cost in classical performance, music education, and music therapy. It is especially attractive for in-state students seeking high-quality, affordable options.   
    -Location: Tallahassee, FL   
    -Type: Public/College   
    -Top Music Majors: Classical Performance, Music Therapy   
    -Financial Aid: Need-based and merit-based scholarships   
  21. University of Miami Frost School of Music   
    Known for innovation in contemporary music and music technology, Frost connects students with Miami’s thriving music scene. Its diverse programs offer strong career preparation in areas like music business and production. 
    -Location: Miami, FL 
    -Type: Private/College   
    -Top Music Majors: Contemporary Music, Music Business   
    -Financial Aid: Need-based and merit-based scholarships. 
  22. University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) 
    CCM combines conservatory-level training with the resources of a public university. Known for its opera and classical programs, CCM offers excellent opportunities for performance and collaboration. 
    -Location: Cincinnati, OH   
    -Type: Public/College 
    -Top Music Majors: Opera, Classical Performance 
    -Financial Aid: Need-based and merit-based scholarships. 
  23. University of Colorado Boulder College of Music 
    CU Boulder emphasizes a collaborative and community-driven learning environment, with programs in classical and jazz performance and partnerships with local music organizations. 
    -Location: Boulder, CO   
    -Type: Public/College 
    -Top Music Majors: Classical Performance, Jazz Studies 
    -Financial Aid: Need-based and merit-based scholarships 
  24. Temple University Boyer College of Music and Dance   
    Temple offers a wide range of music programs, including classical performance, music education, and composition. Students have access to the vibrant Philadelphia music scene for performances and internships. 
    -Location: Philadelphia, PA 
    -Type: Public/College 
    -Top Music Majors: Classical Performance, Music Education 
    -Financial Aid: Need-based and merit-based scholarships 
  25. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 
    The University of Illinois School of Music offers a well-rounded program with strong performance, composition, and music education tracks. Its faculty includes accomplished professionals in both classical and contemporary music, and the school focuses on innovation.  
    -Location: Urbana-Champaign, IL 
    -Type: Public/College 
    -Top Music Majors: Classical Performance, Composition, Music Education 
    -Financial Aid: Need-based and merit-based scholarships 
     
    Here are the rest of the top 40 music schools and colleges: 
     
  26. Arizona State University School of Music
  27. Ithaca College School of Music   
  28. Vanderbilt University Blair School of Music   
  29. University of Texas Austin
  30. Butler School of Music   
  31. DePaul University School of Music   
  32. Southern Methodist University
  33. Meadows School of the Arts   
  34. University of Kansas School of Music   
  35. Rutgers University Mason Gross School of the Arts   
  36. University of Minnesota School of Music   
  37. Carnegie Mellon School of Music   
  38. California Institute of the Arts   
  39. Lawrence University Conservatory of Music   
  40. University of Arizona

Top Undergraduate Music Programs by Educational Excellence

Academic RankSchoolTypeAdmit RateSAT AvgACT Avg
1The Juilliard SchoolPrivate10.64
2Berklee College of MusicPrivate49.91
3Curtis Institute of MusicPrivate
4University of Southern CaliforniaPrivate12.0232
5Manhattan School of MusicPrivate44.82
6New England Conservatory of MusicPrivate32.39
7Oberlin CollegePrivate34.87
8University of RochesterPrivate35.85144033
9Indiana University BloomingtonPublic80.37131029
10University of MichiganPublic17.94
11Northwestern UniversityPrivate
12San Francisco Conservatory of MusicPrivate42.42
13Cleveland Institute of MusicPrivate
14Rice UniversityPrivate7.88
15Peabody Conservatory of The Johns Hopkins UniversityPrivate51.62
16University of North TexasPublic72.46
17Bard CollegePrivate21.66
18The Colburn School Conservatory of MusicPrivate9.99
19Berklee College of Music (Boston Conservatory)Private49.91
20Florida State UniversityPublic25.38
21University of MiamiPrivate138031
22University of CincinnatiPublic87.67122026
23University of Colorado BoulderPublic93.64125028
24Temple UniversityPublic82.92124028
25University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignPublic43.69141031
26Arizona State UniversityPublic90.19
27Ithaca CollegePrivate69.94129029
28Vanderbilt UniversityPrivate6.28
29The University of Texas at AustinPublic29.121420
30DePaul UniversityPrivate73.531180
31Southern Methodist UniversityPrivate61.22144032
32The University of KansasPublic88.2117024
33Rutgers University - New BrunswickPublic65.35
34University of Minnesota, Twin Cities CampusPublic77.07138029
35Carnegie Mellon UniversityPrivate
36California Institute of the ArtsPrivate25.28
37Lawrence UniversityPrivate63.03
38The University of ArizonaPublic85.66125025
39Purchase College, State University of New YorkPublic72.83
40University of HartfordPrivate83.0126

Top Music Schools and Colleges by Financial Aid

Music schools that excel in financial aid offer robust support through a combination of need-based and merit-based awards. These schools ensure that talented students can pursue their education without overwhelming financial burdens, providing opportunities based on both financial need and audition-based merit.

Top music schools known for their outstanding financial aid include:

  1. Juilliard School – Offers substantial need-based aid and talent scholarships.
  2. Curtis Institute of Music – Provides full-tuition scholarships to all students.
  3. Berklee College of Music – Generous merit scholarships, particularly for contemporary music.
  4. New England Conservatory of Music – Strong need-based and merit-based aid.
  5. University of Southern California (USC) Thornton School of Music – Offers a mix of need-based aid and merit awards for talent.

Top Undergraduate Music Programs by Cost

SchoolExcellence RankTypeCOA (in-state for public schools)Avg Need Based AwardAvg Merit Aid Award
University of Southern California4Private$95,225$63,884$18,463
Vanderbilt University28Private$94,072$69,254$22,428
University of Rochester8Private$89,326$57,871$14,800
Bard College17Private$87,002$57,693$21,754
Northwestern University11Private$86,907$63,954$32,431
Oberlin College7Private$86,876$51,982$22,388
The Juilliard School1Private$86,582$46,000$24,400
Rice University14Private$86,279$59,724$22,944
Southern Methodist University31Private$86,102$51,726$28,157
New England Conservatory of Music6Private$83,432$29,727$20,350
Peabody Conservatory of The Johns Hopkins University15Private$82,660$49,988$27,090
University of Miami21Private$81,116$47,830$23,451
Carnegie Mellon University35Private$80,728$56,256$7,591
The Colburn School Conservatory of Music18Private$79,700$1,800
San Francisco Conservatory of Music12Private$79,080$37,882$27,997
Manhattan School of Music5Private$78,800
Berklee College of Music2Private$78,390$25,979$16,912
Berklee College of Music (Boston Conservatory)19Private$78,390
California Institute of the Arts36Private$77,885$35,000$6,250
Lawrence University37Private$67,887$43,005$33,922
Ithaca College27Private$66,913$42,558$24,738
University of Hartford40Private$59,756$35,688$25,772
DePaul University30Private$59,361$30,540$18,764
Cleveland Institute of Music13Private$55,100$32,168$15,462
University of Michigan10Public$36,932$26,947$4,387
Rutgers University - New Brunswick33Public$33,643$12,766$11,021
The University of Texas at Austin29Public$31,616$19,550$3,406
Temple University24Public$31,044$15,393$6,793
University of Colorado Boulder23Public$29,110$19,404$9,250
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus34Public$28,524$16,337$5,366
Arizona State University26Public$27,016$16,929$9,784
University of Cincinnati22Public$26,240$9,853$7,401
The University of Arizona38Public$26,210$19,678$12,787
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign25Public$26,028$19,449$6,345
Florida State University20Public$25,398$11,644$3,584
Indiana University Bloomington9Public$24,842$14,753$5,955
Purchase College, State University of New York39Public$23,330$12,174$2,330
Curtis Institute of Music3Private$21,788
The University of Kansas32Public$21,768$18,082$7,886
University of North Texas16Public$19,572$15,534$5,780

Top Music Schools and Colleges by Value

The best-value music colleges offer high-quality education at a lower net cost, combining financial aid with strong academic and career support. Value is measured not only by the cost but by the opportunities for career development and student success after graduation.

Here are the top music colleges offering the best value for undergraduates:

  1. Indiana University Jacobs School of Music – World-class programs at a public institution price, with solid financial aid.
  2. University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance – Broad academic offerings, affordable in-state tuition, and financial aid.
  3. University of North Texas College of Music – Top jazz and music education programs with competitive tuition.
  4. University of Miami Frost School of Music – Offers contemporary music innovation, competitive financial aid, and career connections.
  5. Florida State University College of Music – Low cost, especially for in-state students, with strong financial aid.

Top Graduate Music Programs

For students looking to advance their music education beyond the undergraduate level, graduate programs offer an opportunity to specialize. These programs are often highly selective, providing advanced training in performance, composition, conducting, musicology and more. Graduate programs in music are ideal for students who aspire to careers as professional performers, composers, or educators, as well as those pursuing roles in music academia or industry.

Below are some of the top graduate music programs in the U.S., recognized for their academic rigor, distinguished faculty, and career preparation:

  1. Yale School of Music – With its exceptional graduate programs in classical performance and composition, Yale provides an intimate learning environment with world-class faculty. 
    -Location: New Haven, CT 
    -Degrees Offered: Master of Music (MM), Master of Musical Arts (MMA), Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) 
    -Financial Aid: Need-based and merit-based scholarships   
  2. Curtis Institute of Music – A top destination for classical musicians, Curtis offers a highly personalized and selective graduate program, with full-tuition scholarships for all students.   
    -Location: Philadelphia, PA   
    -Degrees Offered: Master of Music (MM), Artist Diploma (AD)   
    -Financial Aid: Full-tuition scholarships for all students   
  3. Juilliard School – Juilliard’s graduate programs in performance, conducting, and composition are among the most prestigious worldwide, offering students access to elite training and performance opportunities.   
    -Location: New York City, NY   
    -Degrees Offered: Master of Music (MM), Graduate Diploma (GD), Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)   
    -Financial Aid: Need-based scholarships and merit-based awards available 
     
  4. University of Southern California (USC) Thornton School of Music – Thornton offers a wide array of graduate programs, from classical performance to film scoring, and has strong ties to the entertainment industry. 
    -Location: Los Angeles, CA 
    -Degrees Offered: Master of Music (MM), Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)   
    -Financial Aid: Need-based and merit-based scholarships 
  5. Eastman School of Music (University of Rochester) – Eastman’s graduate programs emphasize performance, composition, and entrepreneurship, preparing students for versatile careers in music. 
    -Location: Rochester, NY 
    -Degrees Offered: Master of Music (MM), Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA), Master of Arts (MA) 
    -Financial Aid: Need-based and merit-based scholarships

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