by our College Data Analytics Team
[Music Theory & Composition](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/music/music-theory-and-composition/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 1 schools to find the best return on investment for music theory & composition students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in music theory & composition, balancing cost against outcomes.
For return on investment in music theory & composition, no school beat Lawrence University this year. Located in the city of Appleton, Lawrence University is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $56,982. Typical student debt for music theory & composition graduates is $19,000. Median earnings reach $55,789 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 64%.
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 · 1 school evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the one ranked school only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.