### SUMMARY

 A degree in Music Theory and Composition is a valuable choice and naturally a mandatory first step for scholars wishing to pursue a career as a songwriter, a composer, or a music arranger. Interestingly, music theory and composition is an uncommon degree being the 262nd most popular area of study. Last year, there were 577 music theory and composition graduates. In-state tuition for music theory and composition at private schools is, on average, 4.2 times more spendy than their public counterparts.

 There are 172 institutions which offer music theory and composition. This number of schools is fairly average in terms of the number of institutions which offer each degree. If you are hoping to surround yourself with other music theory and composition undergraduates, consider universities in Massachusetts which have more undergrads admitted to music theory and composition than any other state. less precisely, the top region to study music theory and composition is in the New England region with [Western Connecticut State University](/colleges/western-connecticut-state-university), [Berklee College of Music](/colleges/berklee-college-of-music), and [The New England Conservatory of Music](/colleges/the-new-england-conservatory-of-music) best representing the region. Interestingly, our pick of the best conference to major in music theory and composition is the Little East Conference with [Western Connecticut State University](/colleges/western-connecticut-state-university) representing the conference. That said, our choice for the best college for music theory and composition is [Vanderbilt University](/colleges/vanderbilt-university). You may also want to check out our list of the [best colleges](/rankings/best-colleges).

 The best school might not actually be the best school for you. There are many more angels to weigh when selecting ​university. External stuff like campus amenities, transportation services, and food would alter one's thoughts on where to go to university. Here at Authority, we've weighed the pros and cons for you. If, for example, you want to know which music theory and composition school has the top campus, the answer is [New York University](/colleges/new-york-university). If you are very interested in which university has the top campus, we have a whole page [dedicated to that](/rankings/best-college-campuses). We have carefully pored through government databases, student reviews, professor reviews, and more in order to evaluate every major in an unbiased and informative way. Here you can find our comprehensive list for the schools with the [best student life](/rankings/best-student-life)&nbspand, from that list, our choice for the college with the best student life for music theory and composition is [University of Michigan-Ann Arbor](/colleges/university-of-michigan-ann-arbor). Curious why? Continue scrolling to find out more about Authority's top choices. Many of our picks will probably shock you.

 If price is a major deciding factor in your decision on where to go to university, you might be cautious about [University of Southern California](/colleges/university-of-southern-california). [University of Southern California](/colleges/university-of-southern-california)&nbspappears to be the most expensive school for music theory and composition, at least for out of state students. We do have an entire list of the [most expensive](/rankings/most-expensive-colleges)&nbspschools that might put the cost at [University of Southern California](/colleges/university-of-southern-california)&nbspinto perspective. Additionally, you may care to know that music theory and composition is the 192nd most expensive program in America, with an average expense of $30,600. On a broader scale, the most expensive state for music theory and composition nationally is Oregon with expenses at the primary institution, Lewis & Clark College, of $52,346. To zoom out even further, the most costly region of the U.S. for music theory and composition is the Far West region which is best demonstrated with [California Institute of the Arts](/colleges/california-institute-of-the-arts) with a cost of $50,850, [University of Southern California](/colleges/university-of-southern-california) with a cost of $57,256, and [Lewis & Clark College](/colleges/lewis-clark-college) with a cost of $52,346.

 Our cheapest region for music theory and composition is the Southwest region which is represented by [University of North Texas](/colleges/university-of-north-texas) with a cost of $18,423. In better news, the most affordable university for music theory and composition is [Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico](/colleges/conservatory-of-music-of-puerto-rico). Authority's comprehensive list of the most affordable colleges can be explored [here](/rankings/most-affordable-colleges).

 In-state learners can expect to pay in the neighborhood of $10,600 for a degree in music theory and composition. The cost grows dramatically to a median of $26,700 for the out-of-state public-school undergrad. Our selection for the school representing the best value for music theory and composition: [Vanderbilt University](/colleges/vanderbilt-university). Through this link you will find our comprehensive list of the schools we believe to be the [best value](/rankings/best-value-colleges)&nbspin general. Bear in mind, this discussion is based on the assumption that you are an out-of-state student. A discussion of value changes when in-state tuition costs are considered, as such, we are using out-of-state tuition as the baseline.

 Earnings for music theory and composition majors vary a lot, but two-years after completing the major graduates will typically make around $53,200. While there is much variation in earnings potential; highest paid earners can bring in up to $104,700. Even straight out of university, the minimum earning positions within the music theory and composition field earn $27,100, which is an alright wage. The highest earning grads from music theory and composition come from [University of Southern California](/colleges/university-of-southern-california)&nbspand if you are looking for colleges with all of the [highest earning graduates](/rankings/highest-earning-graduates), we have that too.

 The overall diversity of music theory and composition is solid, coming in the 59th percentile of all programs. The university with the highest composite diversity for music theory and composition is [Academy of Art University](/colleges/academy-of-art-university)&nbspand here you can find our general list for the universities which have the [most diversity](/rankings/most-diverse-colleges). The financial diversity of Music Theory and Composition only is within the 54th percentile of all majors. Racial diversity is even further below average in the 53rd percentile. White undergraduates make up the largest proportion at 59% of those majoring in music theory and composition. Additionally, 71% of students seeking a music theory and composition major are men.

 The median score for music theory and composition's professors is 4.1 stars, which is 3% better than the average score across all majors; which is a good ranking. If you want the most popular music theory and composition professor in the nation, consider looking up Meredith Morris from [Clemson University](/colleges/clemson-university). This might be shocking, but the top rated instructors for music theory and composition according to students are found at [Savannah College of Art and Design](/colleges/savannah-college-of-art-and-design). As we consider data beyond just rankings it becomes clear that the university with comprehensively the best professors for music theory and composition is [New York University](/colleges/new-york-university). One will find an explanation of our ever evolving ranking methodology of the [best overall professors here](/rankings/best-professors), along with some of the finest examples of professors in the U.S.

 Finally, the hardest school to get into for music theory and composition is [Vanderbilt University](/colleges/vanderbilt-university). While we think of this list more as a novelty, we have a detailed list for the [hardest colleges to get into](/rankings/hardest-colleges-to-get-into). That being said, here at Authority we do hope you understand that considering university through a lens only informed by superlatives can cause problems. We at Authority hope you look at some of our other pages on individual colleges and read some of our background 'blog posts' on beneficial things to think about as your college search continues.



 ### POPULARITY

 Music theory and composition is the 262nd most popular degree in America, with 577 students receiving their bachelors degree last year. It just beat out #263 [History Teacher Education](/rankings/best-colleges-for-history-teacher-education), and narrowly lost to #261 [Business Statistics](/rankings/best-colleges-for-business-statistics).

 The degree is offered at a total of 172 colleges across the nation, and is the 114th most widely offered degree. It is only offered at 17% of the Top 100 [Best Colleges](/rankings/best-colleges) in America.

 It is also worth noting that a bit less than a third of colleges offering music theory and composition are public making it a relatively inaccessible field.

 The new england produces the most music theory and composition graduates, largely led by [Western Connecticut State University](/colleges/western-connecticut-state-university), while it’s the Little East Conference that leads conference totals. As far as states, Massachusetts ranks highest, with particular help from [Berklee College of Music](/colleges/berklee-college-of-music) and [Boston University](/colleges/boston-university).

 All that being said, no individual school produces more music theory and composition graduates than [University of California-Santa Cruz](/colleges/university-of-california-santa-cruz), which graduated 135 students last year alone. Although size is critical, another important factor to consider is the program’s density (the percent of all students that study music theory and composition). More students studied music theory and composition as a percentage of total students at [Musicians Institute](/colleges/musicians-institute) than any other college.



 ### COST

 Music theory and composition is the 192nd most expensive major in America, with a median cost of $30,615 amongst the top 50 programs (just ahead of #193, [Microbiological Sciences and Immunology](rankings/best-colleges-for-microbiological-sciences-and-immunology), with a median cost of $30,605).

 The Far West has the most expensive colleges with first-class music theory and composition programs predominantly led by [California Institute of the Arts](/colleges/california-institute-of-the-arts) with an annual cost of $50,850. Oregon is the most expensive state for music theory and composition led by [Lewis & Clark College](/colleges/lewis-clark-college).

 Public schools with solid programs by and large charge 76.21% less than private schools for in-state students. However, when looking at out-of-state tuition, the median top 50 Public school charges 40.07% less than your average private school. So, if you're applying to a state school, make sure you qualify for in-state tuition as soon as possible.

 The most expensive option in the top 25 is [University of Southern California](/colleges/university-of-southern-california), which is the 14th most expensive college in the US. The most affordable option in the top 100 is [Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico](/colleges/conservatory-of-music-of-puerto-rico). It costs just $3,000 per year, and it is ranked 21st for its music theory and composition program. Another more affordable pick would be #14, [SUNY at Purchase College](/colleges/suny-at-purchase-college) in Westchester County, NY with a cost of $7,070 for in-state students and $16,980 for out-of-state students.



### SALARY

 Starting college is a large investment for most people. It is critical to have confidence you enlarge your earning power. We intend for the following career and income statistics to guide you in deciding your major at college.

 In year one after school, Music Theory and Composition students earn $27,647 a year on average (bottom 12%). Later on in their employment, they often earn anywhere between $27,085 and $104,725, but average about $53,207. For context, that is 38% greater than average.

 The most common work position for a Music Theory and Composition graduate is CDL Driver, which normally earn near $36,000; next are Engineer and Software Engineer, which ordinarily earn close to $59,000 and $65,000 respectively.

 The Plains has the most well paid Music Theory and Composition graduates. The most well paid state for Music Theory and Composition alumni is AR. The most well paid conference for Music Theory and Composition graduates is American Rivers Conference.



### PROFESSORS

 Fast Facts for Music Theory and Composition: Median Professor Rating: 4.1 / 5, which is above average.

 Professors often have a colossal impact your college experience, no matter what you study. A thought-provoking professor may provide inspiration and set a student up for future success. Conversely, a poor professor can derail your schooling or even worse... fail you!

 Music Theory and Composition professors have a median student rating of 4.1 out of 5, which puts them in the upper 39th percentile in the US grounded in student satisfaction. For context that's 2.5% north of the national median professor rating for all subjects. Music Theory and Composition professors barely edged-out those from ["Medical Ethics"](/rankings/best-colleges-for-medical-ethics), whereas ["Applied Psychology"](/rankings/best-colleges-for-applied-psychology)&nbspprofessors ranked one slot above Music Theory and Composition.

 Now for some statistics about Music Theory and Composition professors. Colleges located in midsize citys tend to have the best Music Theory and Composition professors. The Atlantic Coast Conference has the highest rated Music Theory and Composition professors. The Southeast region has the highest rated Music Theory and Composition professors. Private universities tend to have higher rated Music Theory and Composition professors than public schools. Finally, Georgia has the highest rated Music Theory and Composition professors in the nation.

 Meredith Morris, professor at [Clemson University](/colleges/clemson-university)&nbspin Clemson, SC is the most popular Music Theory and Composition professor in the US. Rob Bridges, instructor at [Savannah College of Art and Design](/colleges/savannah-college-of-art-and-design)&nbspin Savannah, GA is the highest rated Music Theory and Composition professor in the nation, with a rating of 5 / 5.

 See which universities have the [Best Professors](/rankings/best-professors)!



### STUDENTS

 College often is an especially significant investment in one's life; it's a chance for individual progress and development. Undergrads begin to capture what they are capable of and develop many of the required skills to be a successful member of society. But learning isn't entirely confined to the classroom - the discussions one has with his peers, the wild anecdote learned from an eccentric professor, the exposure to a different frame of mind. Therefore, finding a diverse college greatly enhances what you gain from your time in university.

 Music Theory and Composition is a slightly more racially diverse major than average\*. 59% of the United States' Music Theory and Composition majors are white students, followed by students of other races\*\*(24%), latino students (11%), and asian students (3%). The most racially diverse college\* in the top 100 is [Biola University](/colleges/biola-university)&nbspin La Mirada, CA.

 Additionally, Music Theory and Composition significatly skews male, with nearly 70% of students majoring in Music Theory and Composition identifying as men. The most gender balanced school in the top 100 is [Biola University](/colleges/biola-university) in La Mirada, CA.

 Another substantial type of diversity is class diversity. Music Theory and Composition is around the median for class diversity (46th percentile). 30% of its majors come from families with $110,000 plus annual incomes, 17% are from upper income homes, and 23% grew up in households with a sub $30,000 yearly income. [University of North Texas](/colleges/university-of-north-texas) is the most economically diverse college in the top 100.

 Considering each type of diversity, overall CA is the most diverse state for Music Theory and Composition. The Far West is the most diverse region, and the University Athletic Association is the most diverse conference.

   \* diversity calculations and comparisons are based on [Simpson's Diversity Index](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity_index)   
  \*\* other races is used to refer to non asian, black, latino, or white

  #### Diversity Statistics

  ##### Racial Diversity

 * Asian: 3%
* Black: 3%
* Latino: 11%
* White: 59%
* Other: 24%
  ##### Gender Diversity

 * Male: 71%
* Female: 29%
  ##### Socioeconomic Diversity (By Household Income)

 * Under 30k: 23%
* 30k - 48k: 14%
* 48k - 75k: 16%
* 75k - 110k: 17%
* Over 110k: 30%
  ##### Geographic Diversity

 * In State: 57%
* Out of State: 35%
* International: 7%


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Top 25 Best Colleges for Music Theory and Composition

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There are about 3,660 students enrolled in Music Theory and Composition in the USA.

2024 Best Colleges for Music Theory and Composition

2023 Music Theory and Composition Salary

There are about 3,660 students enrolled in Music Theory and Composition in the USA.

SALARY