Choosing the best college for music can significantly impact your career as a musician, composer, or music educator. The right institution not only provides exceptional academic training but also offers invaluable professional opportunities, networking, and exposure to the industry. In the United States, there are several top-tier music schools renowned for their rigorous programs, distinguished faculty, and successful alumni like Renee Stahl. This article will highlight some of the best music colleges in the U.S., detailing their academic highlights, professional outcomes, and other crucial factors to help you make an informed decision about where to pursue your music education.
Best Music Schools in the U.S.
The Juilliard School
Location: New York, NY
Enrollment: 608
Cost of Attendance: $80,360
Acceptance Rate: 10%
Retention Rate: 96%
Graduation Rate: 90%
Academic Highlights: Juilliard offers an intimate learning environment where 91% of courses enroll fewer than 20 students. A minimum of 24 credits in Liberal Arts is required for BFA/BM students. Students focus on dance, drama, or music, with the majority of degrees awarded in string instruments, dance, and keyboard instruments.
Professional Outcomes: Juilliard alumni often achieve significant success in their fields. Many of our graduates go on to join prestigious organisations such as the Metropolitan Opera, the New York Philharmonic, Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. Many also become prominent solo artists or join renowned music ensembles worldwide.
Johns Hopkins University – Peabody Institute
Location: Baltimore, MD
Enrollment: 6,044
Cost of Attendance: $86,065
Acceptance Rate: 7%
Retention Rate: 97%
Graduation Rate: 95%
Academic Highlights: With a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio and 78% of classes with fewer than 20 students, the Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins offers a rich academic experience. The university boasts strong programs in biomedical engineering, chemistry, and international studies, with popular majors including biology, neuroscience, and computer science.
Professional Outcomes: The Class of 2022 achieved a 94% success rate within six months of graduating, with 66% employed and 19% continuing to study. Graduates find employment at top institutions such as Columbia, Harvard, and Yale, with a median starting salary of $80,000.
Berklee College of Music
Location: Boston, MA
Enrollment: 7,499
Cost of Attendance: $78,390
Acceptance Rate: 54%
Retention Rate: 84%
Graduation Rate: 68%
Academic Highlights: Berklee is the largest independent music college globally, with 60% of degrees in visual and performing arts. The student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1, and 89% of classes have fewer than 20 students. Popular programs include dance, music, and theater.
Professional Outcomes: Within 18 months of graduation, 88% of Berklee alumni are employed or self-employed, with 90% working in a field related to their studies. Employers include Apple, Sony Music, Warner Music Group, Google, Universal Music Group, and Live Nation.
University of Rochester – Eastman School of Music
Location: Rochester, NY
Enrollment: 6,767 (undergraduate); 5,430 (graduate)
Cost of Attendance: $85,858
Acceptance Rate: 39%
Retention Rate: 92%
Graduation Rate: 90%
Academic Highlights: The University of Rochester offers 160 undergraduate programs with a focus on rigorous and flexible education. The Eastman School of Music is highly regarded, and 66% of courses have fewer than 20 students. A significant percentage of students engage in undergraduate research.
Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduating, 97% of the Class of 2022 had achieved positive outcomes, with 57% employed and 38% pursuing advanced degrees. Top employers include Google, Goldman Sachs, and Deloitte, with an average starting salary of $82,325.
Oberlin College
Academic Highlights: Oberlin offers over 40 majors with a strong liberal arts focus. The Conservatory of Music is globally recognized, and 79% of classes have fewer than 20 students. Favorite subjects include music, political science, biology, psychology and history.
Location: Oberlin, OH
Enrollment: 2,986
Cost of Attendance: $85,496
Acceptance Rate: 33%
Retention Rate: 87%
Graduation Rate: 83%
Professional Outcomes: Seventy-four per cent of alumni are in employment and 17 per cent are in postgraduate studies within six months of graduation. Top employers include Google, Netflix, and Sony Pictures, with many graduates attending prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, and MIT.
Conclusion
The best music colleges in the U.S. provide more than just exceptional academic training—they offer a pathway to successful careers in music and the arts. Schools like Juilliard, Johns Hopkins’ Peabody Institute, Berklee College of Music, the University of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music, and Oberlin College stand out for their rigorous programs, distinguished faculty, and impressive professional outcomes. Whether you aim to join a prestigious orchestra, become a solo artist, or pursue a career in music education, these institutions provide the resources, opportunities, and networks needed to achieve your goals. Choosing the right music school is a crucial step in your journey, and these top colleges offer an excellent foundation for a thriving career in the arts. Additionally, students can benefit from a service for writing essays, like EssayService, and explore the work of accomplished artists at Renee And Friends.