Best Colleges for Music

Music graduates enter a competitive field where talent meets business acumen. With 285 schools offering music programs nationwide, students should prioritize institutions with strong industry connections, performance opportunities, and diverse curriculum options. Look for programs that balance classical training with contemporary applications, offering access to recording studios, internships, and alumni networks in entertainment hubs. While music graduates earn an average of $26,932 annually, earnings vary significantly by specialization. Performance majors may supplement income through teaching, while music business graduates often find higher-paying roles in production companies and record labels. Choose programs that align with your career goals and provide practical experience alongside artistic development.

Schools Ranked

$42,422

Avg. Program Earnings

57.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

Top 25 Schools

College rankings
#	School	Median Earnings	Graduation Rate	School Type
1	University of Houston Houston, Texas	$49,312	64.9%	public
2	The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Edinburg, Texas	$49,084	49.3%	public
3	Texas Southmost College Brownsville, Texas	$48,432	26.8%	public
4	Texas A & M University-Kingsville Kingsville, Texas	$48,041	45.6%	public
5	The University of Texas at El Paso El Paso, Texas	$47,846	45.9%	public
6	Texas Tech University Lubbock, Texas	$44,170	67.5%	public
7	The University of Texas at San Antonio San Antonio, Texas	$43,674	51.2%	public
8	Lamar University Beaumont, Texas	$43,426	37.2%	public
9	Stephen F Austin State University Nacogdoches, Texas	$43,054	51.7%	public
10	Texas A & M University-Commerce Commerce, Texas	$42,682	45.9%	public
11	Tarleton State University Stephenville, Texas	$42,682	51.2%	public
12	Texas State University San Marcos, Texas	$42,363	56.2%	public
13	West Texas A & M University Canyon, Texas	$41,937	47.3%	public
14	Fairfield University Fairfield, Connecticut	$41,565	83.8%	private-nonprofit
15	University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Whitewater, Wisconsin	$40,945	64.3%	public
16	The University of Texas at Arlington Arlington, Texas	$40,768	56.5%	public
17	Georgia State University Atlanta, Georgia	$39,729	53.7%	public
18	Auburn University Auburn, Alabama	$39,369	79.2%	public
19	Biola University La Mirada, California	$39,369	68.8%	private-nonprofit
20	University of Nevada-Las Vegas Las Vegas, Nevada	$39,009	50.1%	public
21	Sam Houston State University Huntsville, Texas	$39,009	55.1%	public
22	University of Wisconsin-La Crosse La Crosse, Wisconsin	$39,009	71.2%	public
23	University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Eau Claire, Wisconsin	$38,505	67.6%	public
24	University of Central Arkansas Conway, Arkansas	$38,289	53.3%	public
25	University of Maryland-College Park College Park, Maryland	$38,289	88.6%	public