2026 Best Value Music Theory & Composition Schools in Ohio

1

Youngstown State University
Youngstown, OH

Youngstown State University earned the #1 spot for value among music theory & composition schools in Ohio. Set in the city of Youngstown, Youngstown State University is a large public institution. 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 music theory & composition program here. Soon after graduation, music theory & composition degree recipients from Youngstown State University generally make around $34,657. Set against $26,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Youngstown State University admits about 84% of applicants.

2

Ohio State University Main Campus
Columbus, OH

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Ohio State University Main Campus earned it the #2 place for music theory & composition. Set in the city of Columbus, Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,244, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Typical student debt for music theory & composition graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, music theory & composition degree recipients from Ohio State University Main Campus generally make around $58,088. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.

3

Stark State College
North Canton, OH

Stark State College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in music theory & composition, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the suburb of North Canton, Stark State College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,790, compared with $7,886 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,349 to complete the music theory & composition program here. Music Theory & Composition graduates of Stark State College earn a median of $42,724 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4

Kent State University At Kent
Kent, OH

Kent State University At Kent is a great value for students pursuing a degree in music theory & composition, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Kent, Kent State University At Kent is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $12,220 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,575. Typical student debt for music theory & composition graduates is $28,000. Early-career music theory & composition graduates make about $24,340. Set against $28,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

5

Ohio University Main Campus
Athens, OH

A rank of #5 makes Ohio University Main Campus one of the best values for music theory & composition. Ohio University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the town of Athens. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,158, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for music theory & composition graduates is $27,000. Early-career music theory & composition graduates make about $34,193. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants.

6

Bowling Green State University Main Campus
Bowling Green, OH

Bowling Green State University Main Campus came in at #6 for value in music theory & composition this year. Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a large public school located in the town of Bowling Green. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,912, while out-of-state students pay about $21,900. Typical student debt for music theory & composition graduates is $27,000. Music Theory & Composition graduates of Bowling Green State University Main Campus earn a median of $27,559 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 81%.

7

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Cincinnati, OH

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus landed the #7 spot for music theory & composition value this year. Located in the city of Cincinnati, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,363, with out-of-state students paying around $28,697. Music Theory & Composition graduates carry a median of $23,946 in student loans. Early-career music theory & composition graduates make about $22,533. Set against $23,946 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants.

8

Capital University
Columbus, OH

Capital University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value music theory & composition schools. Located in the suburb of Columbus, Capital University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $43,234. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the music theory & composition program here. Music Theory & Composition graduates of Capital University earn a median of $46,516 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 70%.

9

Cedarville University
Cedarville, OH

Cedarville University came in at #9 for value in music theory & composition this year. Located in the rural area of Cedarville, Cedarville University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,150. Music Theory & Composition graduates carry a median of $22,110 in student loans. Soon after graduation, music theory & composition degree recipients from Cedarville University generally make around $57,104. Set against $22,110 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cedarville University admits about 65% of applicants.

10

Baldwin Wallace College
Berea, OH

Baldwin Wallace College placed #10 among the best values for music theory & composition. Baldwin Wallace College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Berea. Students from in state pay about $39,832 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for music theory & composition graduates is $27,000. Music Theory & Composition graduates of Baldwin Wallace College earn a median of $46,668 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%.

11

Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH

Case Western Reserve University placed #11 among the best values for music theory & composition. Located in the city of Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University is a large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $66,608 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for music theory & composition graduates is $25,106. Early-career music theory & composition graduates make about $74,459. Set against $25,106 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 36%.

12

Oberlin College
Oberlin, OH

Oberlin College came in at #12 for value in music theory & composition this year. Oberlin College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Oberlin. In-state tuition and fees average $67,366. Typical student debt for music theory & composition graduates is $26,200. Soon after graduation, music theory & composition degree recipients from Oberlin College generally make around $17,141. Set against $26,200 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Oberlin College admits about 34% of applicants.