by our College Data Analytics Team
[Music Performance](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/music/music-performance/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 5 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for music performance students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in music performance, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked Ball State University the best value for a degree in music performance in Indiana. Located in the city of Muncie, Ball State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,082, while out-of-state students pay about $29,630. Typical student debt for music performance graduates is $24,518. Early-career music performance graduates make about $47,863. That is a strong return on a $24,518 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.
Students looking for strong value in music performance will find it at Indiana University Bloomington, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Bloomington, Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,144, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. Typical student debt for music performance graduates is $20,769. Soon after graduation, music performance degree recipients from Indiana University Bloomington generally make around $28,328. That is a strong return on a $20,769 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne one of the best values for music performance. Located in the city of Fort Wayne, Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,532, while out-of-state students pay about $22,887. Music Performance graduates carry a median of $24,119 in student loans. Early-career music performance graduates make about $49,424. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne admits about 84% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Depauw University earned it the #4 place for music performance. Depauw University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Greencastle. In-state tuition and fees average $59,070. Typical student debt for music performance graduates is $27,000. Music Performance graduates of Depauw University earn a median of $46,127 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 57%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Butler University earned it the #5 place for music performance. Butler University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Indianapolis. In-state tuition and fees average $47,560. Music Performance graduates carry a median of $24,170 in student loans. Early-career music performance graduates make about $68,222. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Butler University admits about 85% of applicants.
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 5 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.