Best Music Schools in New York

New York has 20 colleges offering Music programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 526 recent graduates. Graduates in New York earn $22,133 on average within two years — 18% below the national average of $26,832. Lower cost of living or industry mix may explain the gap.

School choice matters significantly: CUNY Bernard M Baruch College graduates earn $35,060 while Manhattan School of Music graduates earn $13,393 — a $21,667 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in NY

$22,133

NY Avg. Earnings

$26,832

National Avg.

286

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Music in New York

Public Schools (9)

$24,148

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (10)

$19,730

avg. 2yr earnings

Public schools in New York produce comparable or higher early earnings for Music graduates, often at lower cost — making them strong value options.

Music Schools in New York, Ranked by Earnings

CUNY Bernard M Baruch College

New York, NY · Public

$35,060

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $26,012

Graduates: 17

Acceptance: 50.5%

State University of New York at Oswego

Oswego, NY · Public

$34,704

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 80.4%

CUNY Hunter College

New York, NY · Public

$32,391

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $27,183

Graduates: 18

Acceptance: 54.0%

Five Towns College

Dix Hills, NY · For-Profit

$28,019

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $21,053

Graduates: 25

Acceptance: 72.0%

Adelphi University

Garden City, NY · Private

$25,194

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 77.5%

Hofstra University

Hempstead, NY · Private

$24,730

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 70.6%

Ithaca College

Ithaca, NY · Private

$24,201

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $27,905

Graduates: 54

Acceptance: 69.9%

The College of Saint Rose

Albany, NY · Private

$23,340

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $25,435

Graduates: 30

Acceptance: 73.4%

SUNY College at Potsdam

Potsdam, NY · Public

$22,192

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $20,855

Graduates: 16

Acceptance: 85.5%

#10

SUNY Buffalo State University

Buffalo, NY · Public

CUNY Lehman College

Bronx, NY · Public

CUNY City College

New York, NY · Public

$18,771

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $17,652

Graduates: 51

Acceptance: 58.1%

#13

Alliance University

New York, NY · Private

$18,771

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $19,294

Graduates: 20

Acceptance: N/A

#14

University of Rochester

Rochester, NY · Private

$17,499

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $12,050

Graduates: 49

Acceptance: 35.9%

#15

New York University

New York, NY · Private

$17,489

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $23,570

Graduates: 62

Acceptance: 9.4%

#16

Mercy University

Dobbs Ferry, NY · Private

$16,992

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $26,599

Graduates: 21

Acceptance: 85.5%

#17

SUNY at Purchase College

Purchase, NY · Public

$16,709

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $17,344

Graduates: 72

Acceptance: 72.8%

#18

The New School

New York, NY · Private

$15,695

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $17,971

Graduates: 66

Acceptance: 62.5%

#19

State University of New York at New Paltz

New Paltz, NY · Public

Manhattan School of Music

New York, NY · Private

$13,393

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $20,620

Graduates: 25

Acceptance: 39.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Music in New York?

CUNY Bernard M Baruch College ranks #1 for Music in New York with median graduate earnings of $35,060 within two years of graduation. There are 20 schools offering Music programs in the state.

How much do Music graduates earn in New York?

Music graduates in New York earn an average of $22,133 within two years of graduation. This is 18% below the national average of $26,832 for this major.

What is the hardest Music school to get into in New York?

New York University is the most selective Music program in New York with an acceptance rate of 9.4%. The average acceptance rate across Music programs in the state is 62.5%.

Should I attend a public or private school for Music in New York?

In New York, private Music programs produce average earnings of $19,730 vs $24,148 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 9 public and 10 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in New York

Computer Science $71,535 Computer Engineering $71,263 Industrial Engineering $69,459 Construction Management $67,560 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $66,924 Materials Engineering $66,884 Civil Engineering $65,927 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions $65,117

All colleges in New York →

Music in Other States

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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.