2026 Best Value Jazz Studies Schools in Ohio
[Jazz Studies](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/music/jazz-studies/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong jazz studies education at a price that pays off.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 7 schools to find the best return on investment for jazz studies students.
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2026 Best Value Jazz Studies Schools in Ohio
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the jazz studies degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Jazz Studies Schools
Youngstown State University tops our 2026 list of the best value jazz studies schools in Ohio. Located in the city of Youngstown, Youngstown State University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Students borrow a median of $26,373 to complete the jazz studies program here. Jazz Studies graduates of Youngstown State University earn a median of $34,657 early in their careers. Set against $26,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%.
Students looking for strong value in jazz studies will find it at Ohio State University Main Campus, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Columbus, Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Jazz Studies graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career jazz studies graduates make about $35,209. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ohio State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants.
Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in jazz studies, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the town of Bowling Green, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,912, while out-of-state students pay about $21,900. Jazz Studies graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Jazz Studies graduates of Bowling Green State University Main Campus earn a median of $27,559 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.
Capital University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value jazz studies schools. Located in the suburb of Columbus, Capital University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $43,234. Typical student debt for jazz studies graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, jazz studies degree recipients from Capital University generally make around $46,516. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Capital University admits about 70% of applicants.
Oberlin College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value jazz studies schools. Located in the town of Oberlin, Oberlin College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $67,366. Students borrow a median of $26,200 to complete the jazz studies program here. Soon after graduation, jazz studies degree recipients from Oberlin College generally make around $17,141. Set against $26,200 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 34% of applicants are accepted.
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Notes and References
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 7 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
