2024 Best Colleges for Music in America

• Philadelphia, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  13 reviews

Alum: PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE... The ONLY way to greatness is to PRACTICE relentlessly and dedicate yourself with the drive it takes to improve. You must push yourself every day, ALL day long in order to extract ALL that Curtis has to offer. Embrace the environment to the uttermost, because it will be the ONLY time you have available to reach the pinnacle necessary to get onto the roster of a major symphony orchestra. Because you are in "rarified air" you must maintain both a level of humility as well as adopt the outlook that you can EXECUTE any composition to which you are exposed. Remember, Bernstein attended Curtis and he became a LEGEND for all time... being a great pianist, one of the greatest conductors of all time, as well as a brilliant Americana composer. When following in the footsteps of GREATNESS, you too and reach the Summit... IF you apply yourself.... Read 13 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 10%

• Net price $20,005

• SAT range —

• Evanston, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  1,493 reviews

Freshman: There is a wealth of awesome student communities to join which really contributed to my experience. Classes are challenging but Northwestern offers many unique opportunities to explore different things and some uncommon ones like design classes. Performing arts are abundant on campus, so there is always something to see on the weekends!... Read 1,493 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 7%

• Net price $22,095

• SAT range 1490-1570

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  67 reviews

Junior: Creatively and academically engaging; a blossoming community overflowing with disciplined, motivated teachers and staff. Juilliard is an amazing institution because it fosters opportunities for collaboration between artistic disciplines. As a composer, I've worked with classmates who are actors, dancers, and musicians. There is a reason why the school is revered as one of the greatest arts schools in the world! (o:... Read 67 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $43,151

• SAT range —

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  4,047 reviews

Alum: My instructors at the Annenberg School for Communication were top-notch. Dedicated professionals with years of experience in their fields. They designed challenging courses that imparted a great deal of information I later used in my career as a journalist. Their grading was tough, but fair. They were supportive of the students and invested in their success. The students represented a diverse swath of America and were generally more motivated than many other groups of students I'd been around. The facilities and access were excellent. A great place to go for someone intent on becoming a journalist.... Read 4,047 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 12%

• Net price $36,808

• SAT range 1450-1550

• Baltimore, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  1,409 reviews

Alum: Overall, my undergraduate experience at Johns Hopkins was great. The academics were challenging without being destructive to student mental health and there were always numerous clubs, involvement opportunities, and events on campus to attend in my free time. It was easy to find research opportunities at the hospital and in general, the professors were very supportive. I do wish that I had seen more of JHU's involvement in local communities and would love to see the college work to give back more to local communities in the future.... Read 1,409 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 7%

• Net price $24,034

• SAT range 1520-1570

• Houston, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  1,121 reviews

Graduate Student: Going to Rice University to attend the Shepherd School of Music at a graduate level is an experience separate from the rest of Rice. The Opera Department at Rice University has been one of the best programs in the United States producing incredible singers in the industry for a while now. Financial aid has been decreasing from full rides to having to pay a couple of thousands to attend +fees for a Master of Music. It is case by case, however. Pros: BEAUTIFUL theater that is incredible to sing in, program's very YAP reminiscent (in good and bad ways), world-class faculty, great networking opportunity, masterclasses/private audition opportunities Cons: your soul/free-time belongs to the Opera Department; if a release conflicts with the opera schedule, tough luck; there have been many issues with casting opportunities/favoritism; if you're a person of color, be prepared to be a token on all promo material; TOO many irrelevant time-consuming academics; having a car is a MUST in Houston... Read 1,121 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 9%

• Net price $19,902

• SAT range 1490-1570

• Nashville, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  1,350 reviews

Graduate Student: My time at Vanderbilt University was truly enriching. The academic atmosphere fostered a culture of excellence and intellectual curiosity that I found invigorating. The professors were not only knowledgeable but also deeply invested in the success of their students, providing invaluable mentorship and guidance. The campus itself is beautiful, with a vibrant campus life offering countless opportunities for personal and professional growth. I particularly enjoyed the plethora of extracurricular activities available, from student clubs to research initiatives. What stood out to me was Vanderbilt's commitment to diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming environment for students from all walks of life. However, one area that could be improved is the accessibility of certain resources, especially for students from underprivileged backgrounds. Enhancing financial aid and support services for these students would further enhance the University.... Read 1,350 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 7%

• Net price $25,606

• SAT range 1490-1570

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  5,743 reviews

Other: New York University (NYU) is more than just an educational institution; it's an immersive journey through academic excellence, cultural diversity, and urban vibrancy. As a recent graduate, I can confidently affirm that NYU offers an unparalleled experience that transcends the traditional boundaries of higher education. One of the most striking aspects of NYU is its location. Situated in the heart of Manhattan, the campus seamlessly blends into the bustling rhythm of New York City. From the iconic Washington Square Park to the countless cultural landmarks just a stone's throw away, NYU provides students with unparalleled access to the pulse of the city.... Read 5,743 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 12%

• Net price $29,499

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Cleveland, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  52 reviews

Other: Exceptional school with faculty among the best in the world. Small campus with very new dorms. One thing to note for applicants, though the acceptance rate you may find on google looks like 33-34ish percent, it is no longer that. As of 2023, the application pool per year has exceeded 1,200 and the total accepted students (all degrees) is no more than 140.... Read 52 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 37%

• Net price $29,383

• SAT range —

• San Francisco, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.24 out of 5  86 reviews

Alum: I loved the faculty at SFCM as well as the various performing opportunities there. I also liked that all the curriculum was structured around music. I wish that there weren't as many conflicts between performing classes and ore academic required courses as it was difficult to work around. I also wished that the mandatory dining plan was optional for off campus students.... Read 86 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 43%

• Net price $45,726

• SAT range —

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  62 reviews

Freshman: NEC has been an absolutely incredible and transformative experience in both the personal and artistic sense. My musicality has sky-rocketed after being at NEC for even a short amount of time. NEC is an incredibly welcoming, collaborative, and supportive environment - something that can't be said about many other conservatories.... Read 62 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 38%

• Net price $53,162

• SAT range —

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  1,483 reviews

Freshman: Carnegie Mellon University suits those who believe in working hard, working hard, and playing hard occasionally. The academics are demanding and challenging, which ultimately creates dedicated, disciplined students, or burnout. Many people require some kind of passion to be here, as it takes passion to get through the intense workload. On the surface, the social life at CMU seems pretty dead. However, after actively looking for clubs, organizations, and student groups, I found there are a lot of opportunities to be part of communities that are passionate and welcoming. I also love that CMU is very invested in their student's success: it is easy to get help from academic advisors, pursue research positions, and take interesting opportunities to get your education outside the classroom. Overall, I am very proud and happy that I came here :).... Read 1,483 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $33,499

• SAT range 1490-1570

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  1,204 reviews

Sophomore: Berklee is a great school and is prestigious for good reason being the world's premier contemporary music institution. My professors are superb. However it is just disappointing there is no sports at all as some of us kids as well as being musical are also very sporty. The second disappointing thing is the small room sizes in the dorms and thirdly, the fact that housing after the first year is by lottery system and if one does not 'win' in the lottery, you have to search for your own accommodation off campus, This is an extremely tricky and costly process for international students. Those are probably my biggest areas of disappointment, the lack of sports, small room sizes and the very high possibility of not being able to stay on campus, a worse situation if you are an international student as landlords seem hesitant to want to sign leases with foreigners.... Read 1,204 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 54%

• Net price $46,873

• SAT range —

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  56 reviews

Niche User: I like Manhattan school of music because they offer a very good music and they teach in a very best way. They have produced so many great musicians. And they are always after the student success.... Read 56 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 55%

• Net price $51,278

• SAT range —

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  5,589 reviews

Alum: As with any college, the experience is what you make of it. UCLA just presents a lot of diversity in terms of the experiences that you can have. You can get your party fix in on Thursdays at frat row, kickbacks through cultural or professional organizations, or even a warehouse rave in the Arts District. Academically, there are plenty of opportunities for research and internships. It can be difficult to get into certain classes until you are in your 3rd or 4th year, though. Living on campus is really helpful for finding friends and the food is definitely a blow-out compared to other schools I've visited. Only downside is that housing in general is expensive due to the area, so you'll likely be sharing a room and living on a budget!... Read 5,589 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 9%

• Net price $16,999

• SAT range —

• Ann Arbor, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  4,720 reviews

Sophomore: The University of Michigan takes a lot of pride in calling itself the best university in the world, but while finishing up my sophomore year I could not agree more. There is such a healthy balance between challenging courses that make students competitive prospects in their next step in life and opportunities to destress and enjoy the "best years of our lives", from watching our football team win the national championship to simply receiving free treats around campus from staff. From my personal experience, I cannot offer any suggestions for change for this amazing university! I have met some of the most kindhearted and motivated people in friends and professors while here and I cannot imagine attending another college.... Read 4,720 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 18%

• Net price $19,318

• SAT range 1350-1530

• Coral Gables, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  3,076 reviews

Senior: Couldn't have had a better 4 years and more fun time! I lived basically like Alix Earle (college wise and not fame wise). There is something to do every single day. I was able to go out 6 nights a week and maintain my workload pretty easily. I absolutely loved all my classes and the professors. Most of my class sizes were small and very discussion based which I find best for learning. My professors were all super nice, available, knowledgeable, and understanding. Campus is beautiful! Greek life is take it or leave it, people involved really like it and I wasn't in a sorority but was still able to go to all the frat parties. I love the academics here and the party scene and I'm so sad I am graduating next week. Anyone can really find their place here and if you want to tan in January or a serious student you should come here and study by the pool. Only con of the school is the cost, but if you can afford it or get a lot of financial aid it's more than worth it!... Read 3,076 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 19%

• Net price $36,467

• SAT range 1310-1480

• Rochester, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  1,616 reviews

Junior: I came in as a transfer student last year and have had nothing but an amazing experience. The course work is challenging but rewarding. The professors really are here for you and will support you. The campus is beautiful and the food is good. I live off campus so can’t say a lot about the dorms. The party scene is okay, but it is there and can be very fun. The location is not the best as there’s isn’t much to do. Over all, I love this school!... Read 1,616 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 39%

• Net price $39,775

• SAT range 1390-1540

• Valencia, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  289 reviews

Freshman: Enrollment has been great, admissions office has been super helpful. Amazing experience so far! The courses are condensed and they offer certifications!... Read 289 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 25%

• Net price $55,225

• SAT range —

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  3,641 reviews

Graduate Student: As a student at Boston University (BU), I've found it to be an exhilarating and challenging place to study. Nestled in the heart of Boston, the campus buzzes with intellectual energy and cultural diversity. BU offers a wide array of programs across various fields, and the quality of education is top-notch, with access to accomplished faculty and cutting-edge facilities. The student body is incredibly diverse, bringing together perspectives from around the globe, which enriches the learning and social environment. Life here is never dull, with countless clubs, activities, and events to get involved in. Whether it's engaging in research projects, participating in student government, or just enjoying the city's historic sites, BU provides a robust and fulfilling college experience.... Read 3,641 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 14%

• Net price $27,829

• SAT range 1350-1500

• Pasadena, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  32 reviews

Works Here: I love working here and seeing the students grow in skill and confidence. I hope to be able to continue to work here for many years to come!... Read 32 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $39,700

• SAT range —

• Oberlin, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  680 reviews

Alum: My experience at Oberlin College was wonderful overall. Yes there were some bumps in the road socially and academically challenges but I wouldn't choose somewhere else if I could do my undergraduate over again. Key thing was having a community that looked like me and support me socially and culturally. I also built relationships with wonderful professors and staff that truly cared about me and my success because they were able to connect to each and every student, unlike giant public schools. While the party seen is pretty boring, the student life activities and events are great; there is always something happening on campus. And the natural areas around campus are gorgeous, especially in the fall.... Read 680 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 35%

• Net price $46,462

• SAT range 1360-1530

• Winston Salem, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  268 reviews

Senior: I like the housing options and the teachers/professors are supportive, especially in the school of dance. Throughout my time I am constantly being challenged in my art and can see improvement semester to semester. I like the performance opportunities UNCSA provides each year. We get many guest artists who choreograph new works for Fall, Winter, and Spring dance. Ballet students also perform as The Nutcracker every year and other classic pieces such as The Firebird or Sleeping Beauty are performed in either winter or spring dance. Furthermore, we are given opportunities to collaborate with other art areas and are encouraged to see productions outside of our major. One thing I would like to see at UNCSA is a better-lit campus at night. The parking lots are a bit further from the dance building.... Read 268 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 32%

• Net price $11,251

• SAT range 1120-1350

• Nashville, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  1,812 reviews

Junior: I'm currently majoring in Interior Design at Belmont University, and overall, I've had a fantastic experience! The program has provided me with a solid mind in design principles, technical skills, and creative thinking. I've enjoyed the small class sizes, it allow for personalized attention from professors. The university's focus on community and collaboration has also helped me build valuable relationships with peers and professionals in the field. One aspect I appreciate is the program's emphasis on sustainability, accessibility, and social responsibility in design. It's essential to consider the impact of our designs on people and the environment, and Belmont's curriculum prepares us for that. If I could suggest changes, I would like to see more diverse and contemporary course offerings, such as classes on biophilic design, and WELL Building Standard.Overall, I feel confident that Belmont's Interior Design program has equipped me with the knowledge to succeed in this creative field.... Read 1,812 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 96%

• Net price $36,225

• SAT range 1150-1340

• Hollywood, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  88 reviews

Other: It's a great learning environment where musicians can grow and have successful networking opportunities.... Read 88 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 78%

• Net price $36,976

• SAT range —