Best Music Schools

How are the Top Music Programs Chosen?

Appily determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.

Explore the Best Music Programs with Appily!

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College of the Ozarks

With campus a short distance from Lake Taneycomo, the College of the Ozarks is an evangelical Christian liberal arts college in southwest Missouri. College of the Ozarks grants undergrad degrees in 28 academic majors and all courses feature a Christ...

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I know I will learn a lot here because you have most of the the things I want to partake in.

” – Natalie from virginia, IL
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is the oldest continuously operating technological research university in the United States. On top of the usual academic offerings, RPI has programs in current and emerging issues, including in...

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RPI is a wonderful place to learn. The academics are rigorous here, but the hard work pays off. Although it's a technological institute, there are lots of fields you can pursue, including biology, architechture, management, information technology...

” – DS from Troy, NY
Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private, research institution located in the New York town of the same name. SU’s 13 academic divisions offer 200 majors and 100 minors for undergraduate students, as well as multiple international study programs in  60...

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The selection of classes is amazing -- it is impossible to be disinterested in each and every one. Even in the required courses (generally speaking, there's only one, all the rest are options) you will be able to learn and stay interested...

” – Angela from Syracuse, NY
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Manhattan School of Music is a music conservatory based in the Upper West Side of New York City offering degrees in musical theatre, jazz, and classical music. Students study with recording artists, opera companies, jazz musicians, and professional...

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All of the faculty are extremely learned and passionate, eager to pass their knowledge on to students, even if you're not so interested. There are classes in pretty much every musical subject you might want - theory, aural skills, composition, injury...

” – Mariya from New Paltz, NY
Binghamton University

Binghamton University is a 4-year research institution located on a 930-acre campus in New York state and is ranked #32 in Top Public Schools by US News & World Report. The university’s six schools offer 130 academic programs that provide research...

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The professors here are great! If you need help they are there for you. Often times students don't go to them so they really do want you to come to them or else they won't have anything to do during office hours.

” – Wendy from Brooklyn, NY
The University of Texas at Austin

A Public Ivy and space-grant institution, the University of Texas at Austin is one of nine academic universities in the UT system, and also the first. Founded in 1883 and home to 18 schools and colleges, it is one of the largest schools in the US but...

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I know you are hearing all about how big UT is and how big the classes are and how big campus is. All this might be a little intimidating and even scary for you! But no worries! There will certainly be one or two classes that you will have that are...

” – Lila from Houston, TX
California Institute of the Arts

The California Institute of the Arts is a private university that offers degree programs in visual and performing arts. CalArts offers degrees in more than 70 degree-granting programs in Art, Music, Dance, Theater, and Film, with all undergraduate...

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Really awesome if you know what you want. This university is all about the business, you don't want to muck around waiting for someone to tell you what you're going to do.

” – Marvin from Norwalk, CA
College of the Holy Cross

Founded by Jesuits, the College of the Holy Cross is a liberal arts college in Worcester and the oldest Roman Catholic school in New England. Holy Cross confers bachelor’s degrees in 30 academic fields of study and is also home to 10 student-designed...

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The academics at Holy Cross seem intense, and the students here study more than at most other colleges. With a Princeton Review academic rating of 98, only five other colleges and university's place above it. More than just pure academics, Holy Cross...

” – Kaylie from Ashburnham, MA
Stevens Institute of Technology

Situated on a hilltop across the river from New York City, the Stevens Institute of Technology is a technological and engineering university in northeast New Jersey. Stevens is home to four schools conferring bachelor’s degrees in 35 academic majors...

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Stevens provides a challenge, yet most of the learning is practical or hands on. I feel exceptionally prepared for real world work in the future!

” – Angela from Sparta, NJ
California State University-Long Beach

California State University-Long Beach is a public institution and the most applied-to campus in the 23 campus CSU system. The university is home to eight schools, with a majority of students attending the College of Business and the College of...

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I had a great orientation group my freshman year which taught me all the ins and outs of this place. The teachers here seem to have a real passion for their subject area. They're always available during their office hours and attempt to make their...

” – K. Lamb from Huntington Beach, CA
University of Wisconsin-Madison

From its main campus located atop a hilltop in Wisconsin’s state capital, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a 4-year public institution and the flagship campus of the UW system. Founded in 1848 at the same time that Wisconsin achieved statehood...

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I have learned so much since I began my schooling at University of Wisconsin-Madison. There is such a variety of classes to choose from which makes it easy for you to find classes that you are interested in. The professors here challenge you to think...

” – Hannah from Andover, MN
University of Washington-Seattle Campus

The University of Washington is a selective institution located in Seattle, WA, with two satellite campuses in Bothell and Tacoma. At this Public Ivy, sustainability is a major focus and the school has made The Princeton Review Green College Honor...

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If you can get past the large number of students in your lower-level classes, learning will not be a problem. Professors, TAs and study centers are generally very kind and willing to help you out. If you seek help, you will get it.

” – Madeline from Seattle, WA
University of Georgia

The University of Georgia is a land- and sea-grant public research university in Athens, GA. Founded in 1785, University of Georgia is one of three public universities to hold the title of the oldest public university in the US. With 17 different...

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At UGA you get what you sign up for. I am currently taking 15 hours and all 15 of those are spent taking serious notes and paying close attention to learn the new material. I am learning new stuff everyday and am tested on it every 3 weeks. Coming...

” – Paige from Blythewood, SC
University of California-Santa Cruz

Founded in 1965, the University of California-Santa Cruz is a public institution and part of the University of California System. UCSC offers undergraduate degrees in 65 academic majors within departments of Arts, Humanities, Physical Sciences...

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After completing my first year at UCSC - and most of my GEs - I feel that I have learned a lot in many different areas of study. The classes offered as general education requirements are both interesting and informative. I have only taken two of my...

” – Shannon from Petaluma, CA
Southern Methodist University

The Southern Methodist University is a private research institution in Texas featuring a liberal arts curriculum. The Dallas campus provides more than 200 areas of study to choose from, along with the Locomotor Lab to address scientific questions on...

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My experience at SMU has been very rewarding since it has open up for me many opportunities. After taking organic chemistry, I realized that I have a great passion for learning about how things happen at the atomic and molecular level. In addition, I...

” – Sarah from Richardson, TX
The Juilliard School

Founded in 1905, the Juilliard School is a performing arts conservatory in New York City. Juilliard offers undergraduate degrees in Dance, Drama, and Music as well as concentrations in several theatrical and musical fields of study. Located on the...

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This school seems like the perfect place to immerse yourself in the performing arts and step up to a professional level.

” – Rebekah from Wheaton, IL
The College of Wooster

Founded by a Presbyterian minister, the College of Wooster is a 4-year liberal arts college in northeast Ohio. Wooster grants bachelor’s degrees in 44 academic majors and every student’s academic career begins with a First-Year Seminar focusing on...

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I think the most notable aspect of the curriculum is its inter-disciplinary qualities. I can think of numerous occasions in which information from one class has connected to what I am learning in another class. Wooster is not merely about giving...

” – Katie
DePauw University

Originally founded as Indiana Asbury University, DePauw University is a 4-year liberal arts college in western Indiana. DePauw is home to a College of Liberal Arts conferring degrees in 29 fields of study as well as one of the first Schools of Music...

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DePauw was the best decision I've ever made. What makes this school special is the people, the opportunities for success, and the education. There is no place I would rather be.

” – Kandyce from Indianapolis, IN
Southwestern University

Founded in 1840, Southwestern University is a 4-year liberal arts college in the Austin metro area and the oldest university in Texas. Southwestern grants undergrad degrees in over 40 academic majors and minors. Additionally, Southwestern originated...

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This school is extremely informative- classes are small, reading is crucial, student-professor relationships are personal. In such a class setting, it is difficult to let the information slide past you. Also, attendance policy is strict- you can be...

” – Cheyney from San Antonio, TX
San Diego State University

San Diego State University is a public research institution located in San Diego, California. What began as an all-female college for elementary school teachers now consists of 8 colleges that offer 95 undergraduate programs plus a variety of...

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I have definitely learned new information and facts I did not know prior to attending SDSU. All professors are unique with their own way of helping students learn the material. Professor's office hours are so helpful and fitting to your schedule, and...

” – Lizette from Planada, CA