2026 Best Value Jazz Studies Schools in New York

1

Cuny Brooklyn College
Brooklyn, NY

Leading the list is Cuny Brooklyn College, our #1 best value for jazz studies in New York. Located in the city of Brooklyn, Cuny Brooklyn College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,452, while out-of-state students pay about $15,402. Typical student debt for jazz studies graduates is $13,303. Soon after graduation, jazz studies degree recipients from Cuny Brooklyn College generally make around $40,843. Set against $13,303 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 58%.

2

Cuny City College
New York, NY

Cuny City College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value jazz studies schools. Cuny City College is a large public school located in the city of New York. In-state tuition and fees average $7,340, compared with $15,290 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for jazz studies graduates is $20,000. Jazz Studies graduates of Cuny City College earn a median of $19,145 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted.

3

Cuny Queens College
Queens, NY

Cuny Queens College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in jazz studies, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Queens, Cuny Queens College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,538, while out-of-state students pay about $15,488. Typical student debt for jazz studies graduates is $12,157. Early-career jazz studies graduates make about $27,902. That is a strong return on a $12,157 median debt. The acceptance rate is 64%.

4

Suny At Purchase College
Purchase, NY

Suny At Purchase College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value jazz studies schools. Set in the suburb of Purchase, Suny At Purchase College is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,016, with out-of-state students paying around $19,266. Typical student debt for jazz studies graduates is $22,179. Early-career jazz studies graduates make about $22,569. That is a strong return on a $22,179 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.

5

University Of Rochester
Rochester, NY

University Of Rochester is a great value for students pursuing a degree in jazz studies, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Rochester, University Of Rochester is a large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,080. Jazz Studies graduates carry a median of $26,769 in student loans. Jazz Studies graduates of University Of Rochester earn a median of $27,409 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 40% of applicants are accepted.

6

Ithaca College
Ithaca, NY

Ithaca College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value jazz studies schools. Ithaca College is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Ithaca. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,616. Typical student debt for jazz studies graduates is $27,000. Early-career jazz studies graduates make about $23,119. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 69%.

7

The Juilliard School
New York, NY

The Juilliard School earned the #7 position for value in jazz studies this year. Set in the city of New York, The Juilliard School is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $57,950. Jazz Studies graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, jazz studies degree recipients from The Juilliard School generally make around $14,101. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted.

8

Manhattan School Of Music
New York, NY

Manhattan School Of Music placed #8 among the best values for jazz studies. Located in the city of New York, Manhattan School Of Music is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $57,050. Typical student debt for jazz studies graduates is $27,000. Jazz Studies graduates of Manhattan School Of Music earn a median of $18,441 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 41%.

9

The New School
New York, NY

The New School came in at #9 for value in jazz studies this year. Set in the city of New York, The New School is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,730. Jazz Studies graduates carry a median of $24,000 in student loans. Jazz Studies graduates of The New School earn a median of $15,510 early in their careers. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted.