1,262 Best Music & Performing Arts Universities in the USA

Compare 4,350 programs at 1,262 universities in the USA — graduates, earnings, debt and costs from the federal record on every listing.

Programs 4,350 Universities 1,262 Scholarships 388

1,262 universities · ranked best first

how we rank

Harvard University

Cambridge, Massachusetts · Private University · Est. 1636

US #74 ROI A Admissions open

Net price: $19,066/yr
Admission rate: 4%
Earnings (10yr): $101,817
Students: 7,601

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Washington State University

Pullman, Washington · Public University · Est. 1959

US #75 ROI A Admissions open

Net price: $14,971/yr
Admission rate: 87%
Earnings (10yr): $68,905
Students: 21,099

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North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Raleigh, North Carolina · Public University · Est. 1887

US #76 ROI B Admissions open

Net price: $17,303/yr
Admission rate: 42%
Earnings (10yr): $68,758
Students: 27,371

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George Washington University

Washington, District of Columbia · Private University · Est. 1821

US #77 ROI A Admissions open

Net price: $36,586/yr
Admission rate: 47%
Earnings (10yr): $90,873
Students: 11,182

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University of Connecticut-Avery Point

Groton, Connecticut · Public University · Est. 1967

US #78 ROI A Admissions open

Net price: $13,807/yr
Admission rate: 88%
Earnings (10yr): $73,997
Students: 454

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University of Maryland-College Park

College Park, Maryland · Public University · Est. 1856

US #79 ROI A Admissions open

Net price: $15,678/yr
Admission rate: 45%
Earnings (10yr): $82,860
Students: 30,760

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University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Amherst, Massachusetts · Public University · Est. 1863

US #80 ROI B Admissions open

Net price: $22,383/yr
Admission rate: 60%
Earnings (10yr): $71,631
Students: 23,671

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University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Milwaukee, Wisconsin · Public University · Est. 1885

US #81 ROI A Admissions open

Net price: $15,014/yr
Admission rate: 91%
Earnings (10yr): $54,990
Students: 16,758

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University of Akron Main Campus

Akron, Ohio · Public University · Est. 1870

US #82 ROI F Admissions open

Net price: $13,946/yr
Admission rate: 60%
Earnings (10yr): $46,600
Students: 9,052

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Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, Virginia · Public University · Est. 1968

US #83 ROI A Admissions open

Net price: $23,433/yr
Admission rate: 93%
Earnings (10yr): $58,128
Students: 20,753

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West Virginia University

Morgantown, West Virginia · Public University · Est. 1867

US #84 ROI A Admissions open

Net price: $15,634/yr
Admission rate: 89%
Earnings (10yr): $55,939
Students: 17,385

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Wright State University-Main Campus

Dayton, Ohio · Public University · Est. 1964

US #85 ROI D Admissions open

Net price: $15,415/yr
Admission rate: 96%
Earnings (10yr): $49,500
Students: 6,762

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Indiana University-Indianapolis

Indianapolis, Indiana · Public University · Est. 2023

US #86 ROI C Admissions open

Net price: $11,668/yr
Admission rate: 76%
Earnings (10yr): $55,198
Students: 13,830

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Oklahoma State University-Main Campus

Stillwater, Oklahoma · Public University · Est. 1890

US #87 ROI C Admissions open

Net price: $17,447/yr
Admission rate: 75%
Earnings (10yr): $57,413
Students: 21,773

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University of Rochester

Rochester, New York · Private University · Est. 1850

US #88 ROI A Admissions open

Net price: $29,278/yr
Admission rate: 40%
Earnings (10yr): $79,042
Students: 6,331

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Yale University

New Haven, Connecticut · Private University · Est. 1701

US #89 ROI A Admissions open

Net price: $23,777/yr
Admission rate: 4%
Earnings (10yr): $100,533
Students: 6,758

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University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, California · Public University · Est. 1868

US #90 ROI A Admissions open

Net price: $13,481/yr
Admission rate: 11%
Earnings (10yr): $92,446
Students: 33,068

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University at Albany

Albany, New York · Public University · Est. 1844

US #91 ROI B Admissions open

Net price: $17,167/yr
Admission rate: 69%
Earnings (10yr): $67,979
Students: 12,564

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Wayne State University

Detroit, Michigan · Public University · Est. 1868

US #92 ROI C Admissions open

Net price: $12,766/yr
Admission rate: 81%
Earnings (10yr): $53,493
Students: 15,587

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Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, Maryland · Private University · Est. 1876

US #93 ROI A Admissions open

Net price: $18,809/yr
Admission rate: 6%
Earnings (10yr): $87,555
Students: 5,693

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Indiana University-Bloomington

Bloomington, Indiana · Public University · Est. 1820

US #94 ROI B Admissions open

Net price: $16,264/yr
Admission rate: 78%
Earnings (10yr): $63,742
Students: 37,806

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University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California · Public University · Est. 1919

US #95 ROI A Admissions open

Net price: $12,548/yr
Admission rate: 9%
Earnings (10yr): $82,511
Students: 33,475

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CUNY Graduate School and University Center

New York, New York · Public University · Est. 1961

US #96 ROI A Admissions open

Tuition: USD 15,185/yr
Admission rate: 68%
Earnings (10yr): $65,991
Students: 3,254

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Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

Baton Rouge, Louisiana · Public University · Est. 1860

US #97 ROI B Admissions open

Net price: $19,151/yr
Admission rate: 73%
Earnings (10yr): $61,251
Students: 30,594

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Music & Performing Arts at other levels

Associate's Music & Performing Arts Bachelor's Music & Performing Arts Diploma Music & Performing Arts Master's Music & Performing Arts PhD Music & Performing Arts Professional Music & Performing Arts

Related subjects

Dance Music Music Performance Performing Arts Theatre & Drama

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Frequently asked questions

Which are the best universities for music & Performing Arts universities in the USA?

By our composite ranking, the top choices include Harvard University, Washington State University, North Carolina State University at Raleigh. The full ranked list above shows each one's national rank, costs and admission data.

How much does it cost to study music & Performing Arts universities in the USA?

Costs vary widely by university: public institutions charge in-state residents far less than out-of-state and international students, and private universities set one price for everyone. Every listing above shows the published tuition and net price we hold from the federal College Scorecard, so you can compare like with like.

Can international students work while studying music & Performing Arts universities in the USA?

Yes, within the rules of the F-1 student visa: on-campus work during term, Curricular Practical Training tied to the program, and Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduating — with a longer extension for eligible STEM degrees.

About music & Performing Arts universities in the USA

This page lists music & Performing Arts universities in the USA held in our database, ordered by a composite score that combines QS World positions, our editorial star rating, academic breadth, internationalisation and student support — never paid placement. Program and cost figures come from the US Department of Education's College Scorecard. Use the filters to narrow by subject, level, university type or location; every combination has its own address you can bookmark or share.

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