2024 Best Colleges for Music in California

We rigorously analyzed earnings after graduation, student loan debt, and a host of other variables to determine what colleges and universities offer the best Music programs in California. We looked at 72 programs to put our Music rankings together to help you find the absolute best schools for Music in California. ... Read More

If you’re still wondering whether Music is the right field of study for you, check out our guide to majoring in Music: what you can do with the major, how much you’ll make, and more.

For the purposes of these rankings we prioritized earnings after graduation 6 years and 10 years out for students that majored in Music in California. Earnings are by no means the most important mark of success for a Music undergraduate program, but it is a variable that is widely used across universities and colleges in California. In addition to salary, we also provide average student loans metric and other admissions data points.

In addition, if you scroll all the way through the list you’ll find every college or university that offers a Music degree in California.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Universities offering Music Majors in California

What is the best university for majoring in Music in California?

Biola University is the best university for majoring in Music based on earnings data. On average, graduates from Biola University earned an average of $39,369 2 years after graduating.

What is the cheapest university for majoring in Music in California?

World Mission University is the cheapest university for majoring in Music based on the Department of Education tuition data. On average, students pay $5,380 to attend World Mission University.

What is the most expensive university for majoring in Music in California?

University of Southern California (USC) is the most expensive university for majoring in Music based on the Department of Education tuition data. On average, students pay $50,277 to attend University of Southern California (USC).

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#1 Best College for Music
Average Salary $39,369
Average Debt $27,000
Program Size 48
Biola University
4 Year
La Mirada, CA
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Biola University, located in La Mirada, CA has 48 students majoring in Music. On average, graduates earn $39,369.
Acceptance Rate 70%
Undergraduates 1,390 students
Tuition $34,498
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#2 Best College for Music
Average Salary $37,208
Average Debt $22,124
Program Size 87
San Jose State University
4 Year
San Jose, CA
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San Jose State University, located in San Jose, CA has 87 students majoring in Music. On average, graduates earn $37,208.
Acceptance Rate 55%
Undergraduates 9,128 students
Tuition $7,378
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#3 Best College for Music
Average Salary $33,281
Average Debt $31,000
Program Size 35
Cogswell College
4 Year
San Jose, CA
Cogswell College, located in San Jose, CA has 35 students majoring in Music. On average, graduates earn $33,281.
Acceptance Rate 61%
Undergraduates 85 students
Tuition $16,640
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#4 Best College for Music
Average Salary $31,305
Average Debt $34,000
Program Size 47
Academy of Art University
4 Year
San Francisco, CA
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Academy of Art University, located in San Francisco, CA has 47 students majoring in Music. On average, graduates earn $31,305.
Acceptance Rate N/A
Undergraduates 2,335 students
Tuition $20,340
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#5 Best College for Music
Average Salary $29,685
Average Debt $19,500
Program Size 52
UC Irvine
4 Year
Irvine, CA
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UC Irvine , located in Irvine, CA has 52 students majoring in Music. On average, graduates earn $29,685.
Acceptance Rate 39%
Undergraduates 8,695 students
Tuition $13,252
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#6 Best College for Music
Average Salary $29,685
Average Debt $19,500
Program Size 52
University of California-Irvine
4 Year
Irvine, CA
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University of California-Irvine, located in Irvine, CA has 52 students majoring in Music. On average, graduates earn $29,685.
Acceptance Rate N/A
Undergraduates 8,695 students
Tuition N/A
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#7 Best College for Music
Average Salary $29,685
Average Debt $20,440
Program Size 46
UC Santa Barbara
4 Year
Santa Barbara, CA
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UC Santa Barbara , located in Santa Barbara, CA has 46 students majoring in Music. On average, graduates earn $29,685.
Acceptance Rate 33%
Undergraduates 6,169 students
Tuition $13,968
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#8 Best College for Music
Average Salary $29,685
Average Debt $20,440
Program Size 46
University of California-Santa Barbara
4 Year
Santa Barbara, CA
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University of California-Santa Barbara, located in Santa Barbara, CA has 46 students majoring in Music. On average, graduates earn $29,685.
Acceptance Rate N/A
Undergraduates 6,169 students
Tuition N/A
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#9 Best College for Music
Average Salary $29,685
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 15
Jessup University
4 Year
Rocklin, CA
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Jessup University, located in Rocklin, CA has 15 students majoring in Music. On average, graduates earn $29,685.
Acceptance Rate 76%
Undergraduates 279 students
Tuition $26,480
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#10 Best College for Music
Average Salary $29,322
Average Debt $21,048
Program Size 107
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
4 Year
Pomona, CA
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona, located in Pomona, CA has 107 students majoring in Music. On average, graduates earn $29,322.
Acceptance Rate 39%
Undergraduates 5,596 students
Tuition $7,016
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#11 Best College for Music
Average Salary $28,309
Average Debt $27,000
Program Size 77
Azusa Pacific University (APU)
4 Year
Azusa, CA
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Azusa Pacific University (APU), located in Azusa, CA has 77 students majoring in Music. On average, graduates earn $28,309.
Acceptance Rate 81%
Undergraduates 2,792 students
Tuition $34,754
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#12 Best College for Music
Average Salary $28,309
Average Debt $20,030
Program Size 30
University of California-San Diego (UC San Diego)
4 Year
La Jolla, CA
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University of California-San Diego (UC San Diego), located in La Jolla, CA has 30 students majoring in Music. On average, graduates earn $28,309.
Acceptance Rate 34%
Undergraduates 9,523 students
Tuition $13,530
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#13 Best College for Music
Average Salary $26,715
Average Debt $20,590
Program Size 94
San Diego State University (SDSU)
4 Year
San Diego, CA
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San Diego State University (SDSU), located in San Diego, CA has 94 students majoring in Music. On average, graduates earn $26,715.
Acceptance Rate 34%
Undergraduates 8,923 students
Tuition $6,976
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#14 Best College for Music
Average Salary $26,353
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 33
University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC)
4 Year
Santa Cruz, CA
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University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC), located in Santa Cruz, CA has 33 students majoring in Music. On average, graduates earn $26,353.
Acceptance Rate 50%
Undergraduates 4,437 students
Tuition $13,461
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#15 Best College for Music
Average Salary $25,580
Average Debt $24,250
Program Size 176
University of Southern California (USC)
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
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University of Southern California (USC), located in Los Angeles, CA has 176 students majoring in Music. On average, graduates earn $25,580.
Acceptance Rate 18%
Undergraduates 14,672 students
Tuition $50,277
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Other Major Rankings
Best Music Programs by State
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