[College research](/) / [Rankings](/rankings/)

# Top Music Programs in the South by Earnings (2026)

Updated September 30, 2026

Part of [Best Art & Design Colleges in the South](/rankings/best-art-and-design-colleges-in-the-south/)

Regional list from [Best Music Programs in the United States](/rankings/best-music-programs/)

This page ranks 118 Music programs in the South by the median earnings of Music graduates four years after completing. Christopher Newport University ranks 1st on this list, reporting median earnings of $63,852 for its graduates four years after completing.

Across the listed programs, the figure ranges from $63,852 to $12,776, with a median of $42,028. For 22 of the 118 listed programs the figure is the two-year completion median rather than the four-year one.

Public institutions account for 89 of the programs, or 75%, while 29 are private nonprofits. Texas A & M International University posts the lowest average net price on the page at $3,637.

The University of Texas at Arlington ranks 8th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, the best such position on this list.

## The ranked list

118 schools in list order

| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Average net price | Net price, families under $30K | Admission rate |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | Christopher Newport University · Newport News, VA | $63,852 | $23,015 | $12,461 | 86.0% |
|  | Christopher Newport University ranks 1st on this list, reporting median earnings of $63,852 for its Music graduates four years after completing. |
| 2 | University of Florida · Gainesville, FL | $61,446 | $6,541 | $1,982 | 24.2% |
|  | With an [average net price of $6,541,](/school/university-of-florida/cost/) [University of Florida](/school/university-of-florida/majors/) posts median earnings of $61,446 for its Music graduates four years after completing. |
| 3 | The University of Texas at El Paso · El Paso, TX | $60,172 | $9,403 | $7,863 | 99.9% |
|  | [The University of Texas at El Paso](/school/the-university-of-texas-at-el-paso/majors/) [admits 100% of applicants](/school/the-university-of-texas-at-el-paso/admissions/) and its Music graduates earn a median of $60,172 four years after completing. |
| 4 | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley · Edinburg, TX | $59,218 | $4,831 | $3,785 | 94.2% |
|  | Graduates across all fields who borrowed left with a [median of $12,950](/school/the-university-of-texas-rio-grande-valley/outcomes/) in federal loans at [The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley](/school/the-university-of-texas-rio-grande-valley/majors/), where Music graduates earn a median of $59,218 four years after completing. |
| 5 | Vanderbilt University · Nashville, TN | $59,217 | $15,846 | $3,414 | 5.9% |
|  | [Vanderbilt University](/school/vanderbilt-university/majors/), a private nonprofit university in Nashville, reports [median earnings of $59,217](/school/vanderbilt-university/outcomes/) for its Music graduates four years after completing. |
| 6 | The University of Texas at Arlington · Arlington, TX | $59,198 | $13,951 | $11,893 | 79.9% |
|  | [The University of Texas at Arlington](/school/the-university-of-texas-at-arlington/majors/) [ranks 8th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/the-university-of-texas-at-arlington/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and its Music graduates earn a median of $59,198 four years after completing. |
| 7 | Sam Houston State University · Huntsville, TX | $58,743 | $16,404 | $12,474 | 90.3% |
|  | [Sam Houston State University](/school/sam-houston-state-university/majors/) reports an [average net price of $16,404](/school/sam-houston-state-university/cost/) and median earnings of $58,743 for its Music graduates four years after completing. |
| 8 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill · Chapel Hill, NC | $58,127 | $11,655 | $2,004 | 15.3% |
|  | With an [admission rate of 15%](/school/university-of-north-carolina-at-chapel-hill/admissions/), [University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill](/school/university-of-north-carolina-at-chapel-hill/majors/) lists median earnings of $58,127 for its Music graduates four years after completing. |
| 9 | Texas A&M University-Kingsville · Kingsville, TX | $57,117 | $12,090 | $10,207 | 90.9% |
|  | [Texas A&M University-Kingsville](/school/texas-am-university-kingsville/majors/) shows a [median of $22,934](/school/texas-am-university-kingsville/outcomes/) in federal loans across all of its borrowers who completed, alongside median earnings of $57,117 for its Music graduates four years after completing. |
| 10 | Texas Tech University · Lubbock, TX | $57,043 | $19,070 | $12,457 | 72.7% |
|  | An [average net price of $19,070](/school/texas-tech-university/cost/) coincides with median earnings of $57,043 for Music graduates at [Texas Tech University](/school/texas-tech-university/majors/) four years after completing. |
| 11 | Texas Woman's University · Denton, TX | $56,884 | $11,963 | $9,948 | 96.1% |
|  | [Texas Woman's University](/school/texas-womans-university/majors/) lists an [average net price of $9,948](/school/texas-womans-university/cost/) for families earning under $30,000, and its Music graduates earn a median of $56,884 four years after completing. |
| 12 | Tarleton State University · Stephenville, TX | $56,671 | $20,783 | $15,574 | 89.6% |
|  | [Tarleton State University](/school/tarleton-state-university/majors/) reports an [average net price of $20,783,](/school/tarleton-state-university/cost/) while its Music graduates earn a median of $56,671 four years after completing. |
| 13 | University of Houston · Houston, TX | $56,667 | $14,276 | $10,929 | 73.9% |
|  | [University of Houston](/school/university-of-houston/majors/) reports [median earnings of $56,667](/school/university-of-houston/outcomes/) for its Music graduates four years after completing, with 77 graduates in the earnings cohort. |
| 14 | University of North Texas · Denton, TX | $55,705 | $15,649 | $12,311 | 72.2% |
|  | An [average net price of $15,649](/school/university-of-north-texas/cost/) and a 72% admission rate accompany the 14th spot for [University of North Texas](/school/university-of-north-texas/majors/) on this list. |
| 15 | East Texas A&M University · Commerce, TX | $55,438 | $11,841 | $9,709 | 92.2% |
|  | Graduates across all fields who borrowed left with a [median of $20,500](/school/east-texas-am-university/outcomes/) in federal loans at [East Texas A&M University](/school/east-texas-am-university/majors/), a public university in Commerce. |
| 16 | Lamar University · Beaumont, TX | $53,904 | $9,366 | $7,568 | 86.4% |
|  | [Lamar University](/school/lamar-university/majors/) posts [median earnings of $53,904](/school/lamar-university/outcomes/) for its Music graduates four years after completing and an average net price of $7,568 for families earning under $30,000. |
| 17 | The University of Texas at San Antonio · San Antonio, TX | $53,878 | $10,836 | $7,870 | 86.8% |
|  | [The University of Texas at San Antonio](/school/the-university-of-texas-at-san-antonio/majors/) [ranks 34th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/the-university-of-texas-at-san-antonio/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports 44 graduates in its Music earnings cohort. |
| 18 | Tennessee State University · Nashville, TN | $53,483 | $15,796 | $15,005 | 70.1% |
|  | With an [admission rate of 70%](/school/tennessee-state-university/admissions/), [Tennessee State University](/school/tennessee-state-university/majors/) reports median earnings of $53,483 for its Music graduates four years after completing. |
| 19 | Texas A & M International University · Laredo, TX | $52,870 | $3,637 | $3,097 | 44.4% |
|  | [Texas A & M International University](/school/texas-a-m-international-university/majors/) carries an [average net price of $3,637](/school/texas-a-m-international-university/cost/) and reports median earnings of $52,870 for its Music graduates four years after completing. |
| 20 | Stephen F Austin State University · Nacogdoches, TX | $52,341 | $14,260 | $10,318 | 94.0% |
|  | [Stephen F Austin State University](/school/stephen-f-austin-state-university/majors/) ranks 20th on this list, with [median earnings of $52,341](/school/stephen-f-austin-state-university/outcomes/) for its Music graduates four years after completing and a 94% admission rate. |
| 21 | Texas State University · San Marcos, TX | $52,320 | $16,805 | $12,715 | 89.3% |
|  | Graduates across all fields who borrowed left with a [median of $21,000](/school/texas-state-university/outcomes/) in federal loans at [Texas State University](/school/texas-state-university/majors/), which reports 92 graduates in its Music earnings cohort. |
| 22 | Furman University · Greenville, SC | $52,225 | $30,308 | $16,401 | 43.0% |
|  | Furman University, a private nonprofit university in Greenville, reports median earnings of $52,225 for its Music graduates four years after completing. |
| 23 | Old Dominion University · Norfolk, VA | $52,028 | $14,638 | $9,739 | 90.4% |
|  | [Old Dominion University](/school/old-dominion-university/majors/) posts an [average net price of $9,739](/school/old-dominion-university/cost/) for families earning under $30,000 and median earnings of $52,028 for its Music graduates four years after completing. |
| 24 | James Madison University · Harrisonburg, VA | $51,882 | $23,322 | $11,444 | 71.5% |
|  | [James Madison University](/school/james-madison-university/majors/) [ranks 213th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/james-madison-university/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports an average net price of $23,322. |
| 25 | Florida International University · Miami, FL | $50,677 | $9,288 | $7,003 | 54.7% |
|  | [Florida International University](/school/florida-international-university/majors/) reports [median earnings of $50,677](/school/florida-international-university/outcomes/) for its Music graduates four years after completing, and carries an average net price of $9,288. |
| 26 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte · Charlotte, NC | $49,761 | $15,435 | $10,357 | 79.6% |
|  | Graduates across all fields who borrowed at [University of North Carolina at Charlotte](/school/university-of-north-carolina-at-charlotte/majors/) left with a [median of $21,500](/school/university-of-north-carolina-at-charlotte/outcomes/) in federal loans, while the school's Music completers earned a median of $49,761 four years after completing. |
| 27 | Auburn University · Auburn, AL | $49,555 | $24,323 | $16,681 | 45.9% |
|  | [Auburn University](/school/auburn-university/majors/) [admits 46% of applicants](/school/auburn-university/admissions/) and its Music graduates earned a median of $49,555 four years after completing. |
| 28 | University of Delaware · Newark, DE | $49,145 | $17,799 | $10,901 | 70.6% |
|  | [University of Delaware](/school/university-of-delaware/majors/) ranks 28th on this list and posts an [average net price of $17,799](/school/university-of-delaware/cost/) alongside median earnings of $49,145 for its Music graduates four years after completing. |
| 29 | West Texas A & M University · Canyon, TX | $48,656 | $19,487 | $16,525 | 98.7% |
|  | [West Texas A & M University](/school/west-texas-a-m-university/majors/) reports [median earnings of $48,656](/school/west-texas-a-m-university/outcomes/) for its Music graduates four years after completing, with a cohort of 23 graduates in the earnings cohort. |
| 30 | West Virginia University · Morgantown, WV | $48,226 | $15,634 | $9,450 | 89.0% |
|  | An [average net price of $15,634](/school/west-virginia-university/cost/) coincides with median earnings of $48,226 for Music graduates of [West Virginia University](/school/west-virginia-university/majors/) four years after completing. |
| 31 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University · Blacksburg, VA | $48,028 | $24,953 | $11,689 | 54.8% |
|  | [Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University](/school/virginia-polytechnic-institute-and-state-university/majors/) [ranks 112th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/virginia-polytechnic-institute-and-state-university/) among nonprofit four-year institutions, and its Music graduates earned a median of $48,028 four years after completing. |
| 32 | University of Maryland-College Park · College Park, MD | $47,654 | $15,678 | $2,962 | 44.8% |
|  | [University of Maryland-College Park](/school/university-of-maryland-college-park/majors/) reports an [average net price of $2,962](/school/university-of-maryland-college-park/cost/) for families earning under $30,000, while its Music graduates earned a median of $47,654 four years after completing. |
| 33 | Radford University · Radford, VA | $47,586 | $14,578 | $8,965 | 89.5% |
|  | [Radford University](/school/radford-university/majors/) [admits 90% of applicants](/school/radford-university/admissions/) and its Music graduates earned a median of $47,586 four years after completing. |
| 34 | Jacksonville State University · Jacksonville, AL | $47,582 | $14,279 | $12,472 | 77.7% |
|  | Graduates across all fields who borrowed at [Jacksonville State University](/school/jacksonville-state-university/majors/) left with a [median of $22,189](/school/jacksonville-state-university/outcomes/) in federal loans, and the school's Music completers earned a median of $47,582 four years after completing. |
| 35 | Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College · Baton Rouge, LA | $47,521 | $19,151 | $13,056 | 73.3% |
|  | [Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College](/school/louisiana-state-university-and-agricultural-mechanical-college/majors/) ranks 35th on this list, with [median earnings of $47,521](/school/louisiana-state-university-and-agricultural-mechanical-college/outcomes/) for its Music graduates four years after completing and an average net price of $19,151. |
| 36 | Northern Kentucky University · Highland Heights, KY | $47,343 | $8,191 | $2,603 | 67.7% |
|  | [Northern Kentucky University](/school/northern-kentucky-university/majors/) reports an [average net price of $2,603](/school/northern-kentucky-university/cost/) for families earning under $30,000, and its Music graduates earned a median of $47,343 four years after completing. |
| 37 | The University of Texas at Austin · Austin, TX | $47,164 | $19,857 | $12,553 | 26.6% |
|  | [The University of Texas at Austin](/school/the-university-of-texas-at-austin/majors/) reports [median earnings of $47,164](/school/the-university-of-texas-at-austin/outcomes/) for its Music graduates four years after completing, with 60 graduates in the earnings cohort. |
| 38 | George Mason University · Fairfax, VA | $46,765 | $17,915 | $11,942 | 87.5% |
|  | A public university in Fairfax, [George Mason University](/school/george-mason-university/majors/) [admits 87% of applicants](/school/george-mason-university/admissions/) and ranks 38th on this list. |
| 39 | The University of Tennessee-Knoxville · Knoxville, TN | $46,701 | $18,976 | $10,029 | 41.6% |
|  | [The University of Tennessee-Knoxville](/school/the-university-of-tennessee-knoxville/majors/) carries an [average net price of $18,976](/school/the-university-of-tennessee-knoxville/cost/) and sits 132nd on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. |
| 40 | University of Tulsa · Tulsa, OK | $46,662 | $15,000 | $5,578 | 61.5% |
|  | Graduates across all fields who borrowed left with a median of $21,500 in federal loans at University of Tulsa, a private nonprofit institution in Tulsa. |
| 41 | Frostburg State University · Frostburg, MD | $46,546 | $16,715 | $12,129 | 89.2% |
|  | [Frostburg State University](/school/frostburg-state-university/majors/) ranks 41st on this list, with [median earnings of $46,546](/school/frostburg-state-university/outcomes/) for its Music graduates four years after completing. |
| 42 | Mercer University · Macon, GA | $46,502 | $23,847 | $19,817 | 68.9% |
|  | [Mercer University](/school/mercer-university/majors/) posts an [average net price of $19,817](/school/mercer-university/cost/) for families earning under $30,000 and an admission rate of 69%. |
| 43 | University of Central Arkansas · Conway, AR | $46,446 | $16,511 | $14,656 | 89.5% |
|  | [University of Central Arkansas](/school/university-of-central-arkansas/majors/) reports 17 graduates in the earnings cohort and [median earnings of $46,446](/school/university-of-central-arkansas/outcomes/) for its Music graduates four years after completing. |
| 44 | University of Arkansas · Fayetteville, AR | $46,352 | $18,209 | $14,319 | 74.3% |
|  | Admitting 74% of applicants, [University of Arkansas](/school/university-of-arkansas/majors/) [ranks 218th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/university-of-arkansas/) among nonprofit four-year institutions. |
| 45 | Tennessee Technological University · Cookeville, TN | $46,253 | $14,246 | $9,815 | 76.1% |
|  | A public university in Cookeville, [Tennessee Technological University](/school/tennessee-technological-university/majors/) shows [median federal debt of $15,650](/school/tennessee-technological-university/cost/) across all of its borrowers who completed. |
| 46 | The Catholic University of America · Washington, DC | $46,123 | $29,561 | $17,358 | 82.8% |
|  | The Catholic University of America ranks 46th on this list, with median earnings of $46,123 for its Music graduates four years after completing. |
| 47 | Rollins College · Winter Park, FL | $45,910 | $34,732 | $27,177 | 47.5% |
|  | [Rollins College](/school/rollins-college/majors/) carries an [average net price of $34,732](/school/rollins-college/cost/) and reports 32 graduates in the earnings cohort for its Music program. |
| 48 | University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus · Norman, OK | $45,781 | $15,300 | $10,509 | 76.6% |
|  | [University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus](/school/university-of-oklahoma-norman-campus/majors/) [admits 77% of applicants](/school/university-of-oklahoma-norman-campus/admissions/) and posts median earnings of $45,781 for its Music graduates four years after completing. |
| 49 | The University of Texas at Tyler · Tyler, TX | $45,651 | $13,323 | $10,307 | 94.0% |
|  | [The University of Texas at Tyler](/school/the-university-of-texas-at-tyler/majors/) reports [median earnings of $45,651](/school/the-university-of-texas-at-tyler/outcomes/) for its Music graduates four years after completing, with 10 graduates in the earnings cohort. |
| 50 | University of Memphis · Memphis, TN | $45,321 | $12,397 | $10,607 | 72.0% |
|  | Graduates across all fields who borrowed left with a [median of $23,300](/school/university-of-memphis/outcomes/) in federal loans at [University of Memphis](/school/university-of-memphis/majors/), which ranks 50th on this list. |
| 51 | University of South Carolina-Columbia · Columbia, SC | $45,181 | $22,811 | $12,634 | 60.2% |
|  | [University of South Carolina-Columbia](/school/university-of-south-carolina-columbia/majors/) [admits 60% of applicants](/school/university-of-south-carolina-columbia/admissions/) and posts median earnings of $45,181 for its Music graduates four years after completing. |
| 52 | Austin Peay State University · Clarksville, TN | $45,100 | $9,735 | $7,588 | 96.4% |
|  | An [average net price of $7,588](/school/austin-peay-state-university/cost/) for families earning under $30,000 coincides with [Austin Peay State University](/school/austin-peay-state-university/majors/)'s 52nd position on this page. |
| 53 | The University of Tennessee-Martin · Martin, TN | $44,910 | $10,701 | $7,151 | 88.2% |
|  | The University of Tennessee-Martin ranks 625th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports 14 graduates in its Music earnings cohort. |
| 54 | Florida State University · Tallahassee, FL | $44,454 | $11,297 | $5,938 | 24.2% |
|  | [Florida State University](/school/florida-state-university/majors/) shows [median earnings of $44,454](/school/florida-state-university/outcomes/) for its Music graduates four years after completing, alongside an admission rate of 24%. |
| 55 | Western Carolina University · Cullowhee, NC | $44,014 | $13,315 | $8,816 | 81.8% |
|  | A school-wide [median federal debt of $21,868](/school/western-carolina-university/cost/) across all borrowers who completed is reported by [Western Carolina University](/school/western-carolina-university/majors/), which ranks 55th on this list. |
| 56 | Middle Tennessee State University · Murfreesboro, TN | $43,999 | $13,359 | $9,289 | 69.1% |
|  | [Middle Tennessee State University](/school/middle-tennessee-state-university/majors/) posts [median earnings of $43,999](/school/middle-tennessee-state-university/outcomes/) for its Music graduates four years after completing, with 136 graduates in the earnings cohort. |
| 57 | Liberty University · Lynchburg, VA | $42,960 | $29,357 | $30,667 | 99.0% |
|  | [Liberty University](/school/liberty-university/majors/), a private nonprofit university in Lynchburg, reports an [average net price of $29,357](/school/liberty-university/cost/) and median earnings of $42,960 for its Music graduates four years after completing. |
| 58 | University of Central Oklahoma · Edmond, OK | $42,355 | $18,309 | $15,275 | 78.1% |
|  | Graduates across all fields who borrowed left with a [median of $21,000](/school/university-of-central-oklahoma/outcomes/) in federal loans at [University of Central Oklahoma](/school/university-of-central-oklahoma/majors/), which ranks 338th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. |
| 59 | University of Maryland-Baltimore County · Baltimore, MD | $42,289 | $16,467 | $5,087 | 72.4% |
|  | [University of Maryland-Baltimore County](/school/university-of-maryland-baltimore-county/majors/) [admits 72% of applicants](/school/university-of-maryland-baltimore-county/admissions/) and reports an average net price of $5,087 for families earning under $30,000. |
| 60 | University of Alabama at Birmingham · Birmingham, AL | $41,768 | $18,749 | $16,172 | 88.2% |
|  | With [median earnings of $41,768](/school/university-of-alabama-at-birmingham/outcomes/) for its Music graduates four years after completing, [University of Alabama at Birmingham](/school/university-of-alabama-at-birmingham/majors/) ranks 60th on this list. |
| 61 | University of North Alabama · Florence, AL | $41,734 | $12,170 | $9,741 | 87.3% |
|  | University of North Alabama reports median earnings of $41,734 for its Music graduates four years after completing, with 13 graduates in the earnings cohort. |
| 62 | Stetson University · Deland, FL | $41,298 | $19,372 | $15,931 | 71.6% |
|  | A private nonprofit university in Deland, [Stetson University](/school/stetson-university/majors/) has an [average net price of $19,372](/school/stetson-university/cost/) and an admission rate of 72%. |
| 63 | University of North Carolina at Greensboro · Greensboro, NC | $40,778 | $10,965 | $7,305 | 88.5% |
|  | [University of North Carolina at Greensboro](/school/university-of-north-carolina-at-greensboro/majors/) [ranks 160th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/university-of-north-carolina-at-greensboro/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and shows median earnings of $40,778 for its Music graduates four years after completing. |
| 64 | Morehead State University · Morehead, KY | $40,768 | $9,793 | $7,150 | 77.2% |
|  | Graduates across all fields who borrowed left with a [median of $22,250](/school/morehead-state-university/outcomes/) in federal loans at [Morehead State University](/school/morehead-state-university/majors/), which reports $40,768 in median earnings for its Music graduates four years after completing. |
| 65 | Baylor University · Waco, TX | $40,017 | $41,104 | $22,024 | 51.3% |
|  | [Baylor University](/school/baylor-university/majors/) [admits 51% of applicants](/school/baylor-university/admissions/) and reports an average net price of $22,024 for families earning under $30,000. |
| 66 | Jacksonville University · Jacksonville, FL | $40,009 | $25,180 | $21,893 | 56.9% |
|  | Jacksonville University ranks 66th on this list, with median earnings of $40,009 for its Music graduates four years after completing and 17 graduates in the earnings cohort. |
| 67 | University of Central Florida · Orlando, FL | $39,898 | $10,411 | $5,816 | 40.1% |
|  | With an [admission rate of 40%](/school/university-of-central-florida/admissions/), [University of Central Florida](/school/university-of-central-florida/majors/) reports median earnings of $39,898 for its Music graduates four years after completing. |
| 68 | University of Kentucky · Lexington, KY | $39,746 | $18,851 | $12,182 | 92.9% |
|  | [University of Kentucky](/school/university-of-kentucky/majors/) has an [average net price of $12,182](/school/university-of-kentucky/cost/) for families earning under $30,000 and a school-wide median federal debt of $22,500 across all of its borrowers who completed. |
| 69 | Loyola University New Orleans · New Orleans, LA | $39,658 | $23,696 | $20,131 | 93.1% |
|  | Loyola University New Orleans ranks 1128th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, alongside median earnings of $39,658 for its Music graduates four years after completing. |
| 70 | Catawba College · Salisbury, NC | $39,633 | $17,879 | $13,618 | 75.2% |
|  | Catawba College reports $39,633 in median earnings for its Music graduates four years after completing, with an admission rate of 75%. |
| 71 | Northwestern State University of Louisiana · Natchitoches, LA | $39,223 | $13,606 | $11,693 | 92.5% |
|  | A public university in Natchitoches, [Northwestern State University of Louisiana](/school/northwestern-state-university-of-louisiana/majors/) shows an [average net price of $13,606](/school/northwestern-state-university-of-louisiana/cost/) and median earnings of $39,223 for its Music graduates four years after completing. |
| 72 | University of Louisville · Louisville, KY | $39,168 | $17,988 | $15,138 | 79.4% |
|  | [University of Louisville](/school/university-of-louisville/majors/) has a school-wide [median federal debt of $20,500](/school/university-of-louisville/cost/) across all of its borrowers who completed and reports 23 graduates in the earnings cohort for its Music program. |
| 73 | East Carolina University · Greenville, NC | $39,029 | $15,739 | $10,046 | 89.2% |
|  | [East Carolina University](/school/east-carolina-university/majors/) reports [median earnings of $39,029](/school/east-carolina-university/outcomes/) for its Music graduates four years after completing, alongside an average net price of $15,739. |
| 74 | Western Kentucky University · Bowling Green, KY | $38,377 | $10,990 | $7,087 | 93.9% |
|  | Graduates across all fields who borrowed at [Western Kentucky University](/school/western-kentucky-university/majors/) left with a [median of $22,095](/school/western-kentucky-university/outcomes/) in federal loans, and the school's Music completers earned a median of $38,377 four years after completing. |
| 75 | Texas Wesleyan University · Fort Worth, TX | $38,289 | $24,066 | $21,812 | 69.2% |
|  | Texas Wesleyan University, a private nonprofit university in Fort Worth, ranks 75th on this list and shows an average net price of $21,812 for families earning under $30,000. |
| 76 | Virginia Commonwealth University · Richmond, VA | $38,278 | $23,433 | $17,512 | 92.6% |
|  | [Virginia Commonwealth University](/school/virginia-commonwealth-university/majors/) [ranks 171st on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/virginia-commonwealth-university/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports $38,278 in median earnings for its Music graduates four years after completing. |
| 77 | Eastern Kentucky University · Richmond, KY | $37,673 | $11,040 | $8,591 | 77.6% |
|  | With an [admission rate of 78%](/school/eastern-kentucky-university/admissions/), [Eastern Kentucky University](/school/eastern-kentucky-university/majors/) posts median earnings of $37,673 for its Music graduates four years after completing. |
| 78 | University of North Carolina Asheville · Asheville, NC | $37,484 | $12,250 | $8,219 | 91.9% |
|  | University of North Carolina Asheville reports an average net price of $12,250 and a median of $37,484 in earnings for its Music graduates four years after completing. |
| 79 | Belmont University · Nashville, TN | $36,866 | $33,147 | $22,950 | 95.3% |
|  | Belmont University counts 94 graduates in the earnings cohort, who earned a median of $36,866 four years after completing, while the school's average net price sits at $33,147. |
| 80 | Murray State University · Murray, KY | $36,697 | $9,096 | $6,242 | 85.7% |
|  | [Murray State University](/school/murray-state-university/majors/) reports an [average net price of $6,242](/school/murray-state-university/cost/) for families earning under $30,000 and median earnings of $36,697 for its Music graduates four years after completing. |
| 81 | Towson University · Towson, MD | $36,285 | $17,413 | $6,962 | 82.0% |
|  | [Towson University](/school/towson-university/majors/) [ranks 114th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/towson-university/) among nonprofit four-year institutions, and its Music graduates earned a median of $36,285 four years after completing. |
| 82 | Georgia State University · Atlanta, GA | $35,963 | $15,931 | $13,787 | 55.4% |
|  | [Georgia State University](/school/georgia-state-university/majors/) [admits 55% of applicants](/school/georgia-state-university/admissions/) and reports median earnings of $35,963 for its Music graduates four years after completing. |
| 83 | East Tennessee State University · Johnson City, TN | $35,707 | $15,983 | $12,433 | 86.2% |
|  | Graduates across all fields who borrowed at [East Tennessee State University](/school/east-tennessee-state-university/majors/) left with a [median of $19,442](/school/east-tennessee-state-university/outcomes/) in federal loans, and the school's Music completers earned a median of $35,707 four years after completing. |
| 84 | Lee University · Cleveland, TN | $35,702 | $18,878 | $12,834 | 70.5% |
|  | Lee University reports an average net price of $18,878 and a median of $35,702 in earnings for its Music graduates four years after completing. |
| 85 | Oklahoma City University · Oklahoma City, OK | $35,621 | $22,857 | $15,187 | 77.0% |
|  | Oklahoma City University reports median earnings of $35,621 for its Music graduates four years after completing, alongside an average net price of $22,857. |
| 86 | Morgan State University · Baltimore, MD | $34,725 | $14,985 | $9,585 | 82.2% |
|  | [Morgan State University](/school/morgan-state-university/majors/) [admits 82% of applicants](/school/morgan-state-university/admissions/) and its Music graduates earn a median of $34,725 four years after completing. |
| 87 | Georgia Southern University · Statesboro, GA | $34,150 | $15,267 | $12,162 | 87.9% |
|  | Graduates across all fields who borrowed at [Georgia Southern University](/school/georgia-southern-university/majors/) left with a [median of $23,250](/school/georgia-southern-university/outcomes/) in federal loans, while its Music completers earn $34,150 four years after graduating. |
| 88 | University of North Carolina School of the Arts · Winston Salem, NC | $34,022 | $14,906 | $3,165 | 30.0% |
|  | University of North Carolina School of the Arts ranks 88th on this list and carries an average net price of $3,165 for families earning under $30,000. |
| 89 | Emory University · Atlanta, GA | $33,993 | $22,585 | $7,363 | 10.7% |
|  | [Emory University](/school/emory-university/majors/), a private nonprofit university in Atlanta, posts [median earnings of $33,993](/school/emory-university/outcomes/) for its Music graduates four years after completing. |
| 90 | Southeastern Louisiana University · Hammond, LA | $33,990 | $13,154 | $10,507 | 99.3% |
|  | [Southeastern Louisiana University](/school/southeastern-louisiana-university/majors/) [ranks 438th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/southeastern-louisiana-university/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports an admission rate of 99%. |
| 91 | University of North Florida · Jacksonville, FL | $33,841 | $10,154 | $6,647 | 53.2% |
|  | [University of North Florida](/school/university-of-north-florida/majors/) shows an [average net price of $10,154](/school/university-of-north-florida/cost/) and median earnings of $33,841 for its Music graduates four years after completing. |
| 92 | Visible Music College · Memphis, TN | $33,690 | $27,820 | $27,744 | 28.0% |
|  | Visible Music College carries a school-wide median federal debt of $9,500 across all borrowers who completed, and its Music graduates earn a median of $33,690 four years after completing. |
| 93 | The University of Alabama · Tuscaloosa, AL | $31,666 | $22,420 | $19,169 | 76.7% |
|  | [The University of Alabama](/school/the-university-of-alabama/majors/) [admits 77% of applicants](/school/the-university-of-alabama/admissions/), and its Music completers report median earnings of $31,666 four years after graduating. |
| 94 | Shenandoah University · Winchester, VA | $30,758 | $30,298 | $24,356 | 77.0% |
|  | Shenandoah University ranks 94th on this list, with an average net price of $24,356 for families earning under $30,000. |
| 95 | Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore, MD | $29,849 | $18,809 | $428 | 6.4% |
|  | [Johns Hopkins University](/school/johns-hopkins-university/majors/) posts an [admission rate of 6%](/school/johns-hopkins-university/admissions/) and median earnings of $29,849 for its Music graduates four years after completing. |
| 96 | Prairie View A & M University · Prairie View, TX | $29,685 | $13,570 | $12,120 | 79.3% |
|  | [Prairie View A & M University](/school/prairie-view-a-m-university/majors/) reports [median earnings of $29,685](/school/prairie-view-a-m-university/outcomes/) for its Music graduates four years after completing, alongside an average net price of $13,570. |
| 97 | American University · Washington, DC | $29,685 | $41,943 | $23,233 | 62.0% |
|  | [American University](/school/american-university/majors/) reports [median earnings of $29,685](/school/american-university/outcomes/) for its Music graduates four years after completing, from a cohort of 8. |
| 98 | University of Louisiana at Lafayette · Lafayette, LA | $29,175 | $13,530 | $11,157 | 87.0% |
|  | Graduates across all fields who borrowed at [University of Louisiana at Lafayette](/school/university-of-louisiana-at-lafayette/majors/) left with a [median of $22,902](/school/university-of-louisiana-at-lafayette/outcomes/) in federal loans, and its Music completers earn a median of $29,175 four years after completing. |
| 99 | University of Miami · Coral Gables, FL | $29,090 | $37,244 | $15,978 | 18.9% |
|  | [University of Miami](/school/university-of-miami/majors/) [admits 19% of applicants](/school/university-of-miami/admissions/) and posts median earnings of $29,090 for its Music graduates four years after completing. |
| 100 | Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi · Corpus Christi, TX | $28,598 | $15,225 | $11,445 | 88.6% |
|  | [Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi](/school/texas-a-m-university-corpus-christi/majors/) ranks 100th on this list, with an [average net price of $15,225](/school/texas-a-m-university-corpus-christi/cost/) and median earnings of $28,598 for its Music graduates four years after completing. |
| 101 | Oral Roberts University · Tulsa, OK | $28,236 | $25,365 | $21,894 | 98.9% |
|  | Oral Roberts University sits at 1172nd on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, and its Music graduates earn a median of $28,236 four years after completing. |
| 102 | Valdosta State University · Valdosta, GA | $27,357 | $10,945 | $9,378 | 72.3% |
|  | With an [average net price of $10,945,](/school/valdosta-state-university/cost/) [Valdosta State University](/school/valdosta-state-university/majors/) reports median earnings of $27,357 for its Music graduates four years after completing. |
| 103 | Dallas Baptist University · Dallas, TX | $27,181 | $28,516 | $25,326 | 88.8% |
|  | Dallas Baptist University reports an average net price of $25,326 for families earning under $30,000, and its Music graduates earn a median of $27,181 four years after completing. |
| 104 | North Carolina Central University · Durham, NC | $25,774 | $15,359 | $13,032 | 87.0% |
|  | [North Carolina Central University](/school/north-carolina-central-university/majors/) [ranks 332nd on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/north-carolina-central-university/) among nonprofit four-year institutions, with median earnings of $25,774 for its Music graduates four years after completing. |
| 105 | William & Mary · Williamsburg, VA | $25,194 | $19,096 | $3,106 | 34.1% |
|  | [William & Mary](/school/william-mary/majors/) [admits 34% of applicants](/school/william-mary/admissions/) and reports an average net price of $3,106 for families earning under $30,000. |
| 106 | Southern Methodist University · Dallas, TX | $25,194 | $40,892 | $23,544 | 63.4% |
|  | [Southern Methodist University](/school/southern-methodist-university/majors/) reports [median earnings of $25,194](/school/southern-methodist-university/outcomes/) for its Music graduates four years after completing, from a cohort of 30. |
| 107 | Texas Lutheran University · Seguin, TX | $25,194 | $24,654 | $20,512 | 95.7% |
|  | Texas Lutheran University admits 96% of applicants and its Music graduates earn a median of $25,194 four years after completing. |
| 108 | Coastal Carolina University · Conway, SC | $24,730 | $13,966 | $9,563 | 75.3% |
|  | [Coastal Carolina University](/school/coastal-carolina-university/majors/) reports an [average net price of $9,563](/school/coastal-carolina-university/cost/) for families earning under $30,000, and its Music graduates earn a median of $24,730 four years after completing. |
| 109 | University of the Incarnate Word · San Antonio, TX | $24,421 | $22,775 | $19,260 | 98.1% |
|  | [University of the Incarnate Word](/school/university-of-the-incarnate-word/majors/) reports [median earnings of $24,421](/school/university-of-the-incarnate-word/outcomes/) for its Music graduates four years after completing, alongside an admission rate of 98%. |
| 110 | University of Georgia · Athens, GA | $23,579 | $13,936 | $8,085 | 37.7% |
|  | An [average net price of $13,936](/school/university-of-georgia/cost/) accompanies [University of Georgia](/school/university-of-georgia/majors/)'s median earnings of $23,579 for its Music graduates four years after completing. |
| 111 | Bellarmine University · Louisville, KY | $23,579 | $21,499 | $18,430 | 86.1% |
|  | Bellarmine University posts median earnings of $23,579 for its Music graduates four years after completing, with a cohort of 14 graduates in the earnings cohort. |
| 112 | College of Charleston · Charleston, SC | $23,340 | $18,960 | $12,133 | 60.0% |
|  | College of Charleston admits 60% of applicants and reports median earnings of $23,340 for its Music graduates four years after completing. |
| 113 | Howard University · Washington, DC | $20,140 | $50,539 | $46,051 | 41.3% |
|  | Howard University has an average net price of $50,539 and an Azimuth composite rank of 635th among nonprofit four-year institutions. |
| 114 | Kennesaw State University · Kennesaw, GA | $18,309 | $15,048 | $12,235 | 69.2% |
|  | [Kennesaw State University](/school/kennesaw-state-university/majors/) [ranks 24th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/kennesaw-state-university/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports median earnings of $18,309 for its Music graduates four years after completing. |
| 115 | Columbus State University · Columbus, GA | $18,218 | $13,115 | $11,271 | 99.1% |
|  | [Columbus State University](/school/columbus-state-university/majors/) reports [median earnings of $18,218](/school/columbus-state-university/outcomes/) for its Music graduates four years after completing, and graduates across all fields who borrowed left with a median of $26,000 in federal loans. |
| 116 | Winthrop University · Rock Hill, SC | $18,087 | $15,343 | $12,608 | 79.3% |
|  | Winthrop University has an average net price of $15,343 and an admission rate of 79%. |
| 117 | Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University · Tallahassee, FL | $14,935 | $13,739 | $13,299 | 20.6% |
|  | [Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University](/school/florida-agricultural-and-mechanical-university/majors/) [admits 21% of applicants](/school/florida-agricultural-and-mechanical-university/admissions/) and reports median earnings of $14,935 for its Music graduates four years after completing. |
| 118 | University of New Orleans · New Orleans, LA | $12,776 | $12,384 | $11,532 | 74.3% |
|  | [University of New Orleans](/school/university-of-new-orleans/majors/) ranks 118th on this list and reports [median earnings of $12,776](/school/university-of-new-orleans/outcomes/) for its Music graduates four years after completing. |

## How this list is ordered

Programs are ordered by the median earnings of their Music graduates four years after completing, highest first. Only programs with a reported earnings cohort in the South appear. The figure covers federally aided completers of the Music program who were working and not enrolled, measured four years after completing. For 22 of the 118 listed programs the figure is the two-year completion median rather than the four-year one. The metric does not adjust for graduate school enrollment, cost, or who enrolls, and it is not a measure of teaching quality. The spread from Christopher Newport University to the bottom of the list is $51,076.

## Related rankings

-   [Best Music Programs in the United States](/rankings/best-music-programs/)
-   [Best Colleges in the South](/rankings/best-colleges-in-the-south/)
-   [Top Music Programs in the Midwest by Earnings](/rankings/best-music-programs-in-the-midwest/)
-   [Best Music Programs in the Northeast](/rankings/best-music-programs-in-the-northeast/)
-   [Top Music Programs in the West by Earnings](/rankings/best-music-programs-in-the-west/)
-   Art & Design Colleges in the South for Social Mobility
-   [Best Art & Design Colleges in the South](/rankings/best-art-and-design-colleges-in-the-south/)