by our College Data Analytics Team
[Conducting](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/music/conducting/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 8 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value conducting schools.
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Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in conducting, balancing cost against outcomes.
Rice University tops our 2027 list of the best value conducting schools in the Southwest Region. Located in the city of Houston, Rice University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $61,247 in tuition and fees. Conducting graduates carry a median of $11,904 in student loans. Early-career conducting graduates make about $75,299. That is a strong return on a $11,904 median debt. Rice University admits about 8% of applicants.
Sam Houston State University came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value conducting schools. Set in the town of Huntsville, Sam Houston State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,068 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $28,000 to complete the conducting program here. Early-career conducting graduates make about $59,926. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%.
University Of Central Oklahoma is a great value for students pursuing a degree in conducting, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Edmond, University Of Central Oklahoma is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,818, compared with $19,704 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,125 to complete the conducting program here. Soon after graduation, conducting degree recipients from University Of Central Oklahoma generally make around $25,548. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value conducting schools. Set in the city of Austin, The University Of Texas At Austin is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for conducting graduates is $26,000. Early-career conducting graduates make about $33,937. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #5 makes Oklahoma City University one of the best values for conducting. Oklahoma City University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Oklahoma City. Students from in state pay about $34,754 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for conducting graduates is $26,456. Conducting graduates of Oklahoma City University earn a median of $22,203 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Oklahoma City University admits about 77% of applicants.
Texas Christian University landed the #6 spot for conducting value this year. Located in the city of Fort Worth, Texas Christian University is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $61,740. Conducting graduates carry a median of $23,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, conducting degree recipients from Texas Christian University generally make around $60,035. Set against $23,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Christian University admits about 44% of applicants.
Southern Methodist University came in at #7 for value in conducting this year. Located in the suburb of Dallas, Southern Methodist University is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $67,040. Conducting graduates carry a median of $18,417 in student loans. Early-career conducting graduates make about $70,632. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted.
Baylor University earned the #8 position for value in conducting this year. Located in the city of Waco, Baylor University is a very large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $58,100. Conducting graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Conducting graduates of Baylor University earn a median of $10,210 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 51% of applicants are accepted.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 8 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 8 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.