2024 Best Colleges for Music in New York

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  66 reviews

Junior: Creatively and academically engaging; a blossoming community overflowing with disciplined, motivated teachers and staff. Juilliard is an amazing institution because it fosters opportunities for collaboration between artistic disciplines. As a composer, I've worked with classmates who are actors, dancers, and musicians. There is a reason why the school is revered as one of the greatest arts schools in the world! (o:... Read 66 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 7%

• Net price $40,304

• SAT range —

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  5,671 reviews

Junior: To start, living on my own in the city has been an authentic experience that has helped me grow as a young adult, taking on new responsibilities and meeting different people! Overall, college is what you make it. There are so many resources and opportunities, some clearly offered and pushed, and some just found by research or who you know (so be friendly and make connections!). Regarding classes, my professors are very inspiring, with expertise and experience. With the educational aspect, you'll learn the concrete information (rules and details of a concept) by studying and reading; you have to put in your own effort if you want to learn, either on your own time out of class, or for an assignment. Discussions and work in class with the professor are more on the abstract side of things, regarding ideals and philosophies, making you think about the world around you and how you can make a positive impact. Content and work differs by class, but your education relies on your effort!... Read 5,671 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $50,991

• SAT range 1450-1570

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  56 reviews

Freshman: Manhattan School of Music is an amazing experience. The professors within my major are top notch experts who encourage the growth and individualism of all students. The diversity is very poor, which is difficult for minority students. Additionally, core classes outside of my major (such as humanities) are very poorly taught and the professor has frequently made offensive remarks. The experience at Manhattan School of Music can vary vastly depending who your head of department is. However, I think we all understand that we have come to this school to train, not party. We all have a fierce desire to master our major and we all understand the privilege of getting to study under masters of our subject. It is definitely not perfect, but overall I have had a wonderful experience so far and I would highly recommend my program to anyone who can afford it. Unfortunately, people do not receive a good amount of aid from the school unless they are international.... Read 56 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 49%

• Net price $42,578

• SAT range —

• Rochester, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  1,594 reviews

Freshman: Academic Experience: Being a student at the University of Rochester would likely involve rigorous academic programs. The university is known for its commitment to providing a well-rounded education and fostering critical thinking skills. The Rochester Curriculum, which emphasizes interdisciplinary studies, allows me to explore a variety of subjects beyond my major. Campus Life: The campus, located along the Genesee River, offeres a beautiful and picturesque setting for me. I enjoy spending time in the libraries, student centers, and recreational facilities. Campus life includes involvement in student clubs, organizations, and cultural events. Community Engagement: The University of Rochester places importance on community engagement. I have participated in community service projects or collaborated with local organizations, contributing to both my personal growth and the betterment of the community.... Read 1,594 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 41%

• Net price $40,125

• SAT range 1370-1520

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  650 reviews

Alum: I graduated with honors earning a BA in Liberal Arts from the School of Public Engagement in 2012. I returned to college in my early thirties as I wanted a formal education in a non-traditional environment, especially here in NYC. I completed 120 credits in nine consecutive semesters whilst working full time. Most of the professors I studied under were supportive, genuine, and approachable. Some were extraordinary. A few were terrible. I forged friendships which I still have to this day from my time there. I hold many, wonderful memories when I was at a juncture during my life where I was stable and prepared to do the work, to learn, and to grow as a person. I wouldn't change my experience for anything. The only real and obvious caveat is the overall cost for tuition, which is astronomical, and not what it was when I attended. It is an enormous financial commitment for which I am still paying for. I implore others to attend TNS, but to outweigh costs. Good luck!... Read 650 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 66%

• Net price $43,547

• SAT range 1150-1380

• Annandale-on-hudson, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  682 reviews

Freshman: My experience at Bard, so far, has been wonderful! Bard takes a unique learning approach for first years. We get to campus 3 weeks before all other students to do a Language and Thinking work shop. These three weeks together allow first years to really bond. If I could see something change, on top of these wonderful required courses like Seminar, Citizen Science, and L&T; I would love to see a mandatory financial literacy course for first years on campus. It would set Bard farther apart from other liberal arts colleges and also give much education to my current majority finically illiterate generation. Over all I have had a wonderful experience at Bard, have made so many friends and have had so many opportunities in just a few months. Never a dull moment at Bard and there is always some club, band, concert, or event to attend on campus!... Read 682 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 60%

• Net price $24,318

• SAT range —

• Syracuse, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  3,543 reviews

Alum: Syracuse University is medium sized American university located in upstate New York with much to offer. Best known for its sports teams, such as basketball, football and lacrosse, the best part about the school was it's diversity in activities, fields of study and student body. Though the winters are cold, the School of Architecture is ranked top 5 in the country, and the hard work from students and faculty shows. With it's deeply historical roots founded in the fundamentals of architecture, the program prepares students to think critically, develop important skills, solve creatively and curates a network of alumni to set students up for career success. The five-year program offers a variety of exciting classes and allows for students to explore outside of the school of architecture - namely taking business courses at Whitman, learning about colors, spaces and psychology or dip their toes clothing design at the fashion school. Overall, the (orange) juice is worth the squeeze!... Read 3,543 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 59%

• Net price $43,545

• SAT range 1220-1400

• Ithaca, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  2,064 reviews

Sophomore: I think that Ithaca is an amazing college! All the professors and faculty are lovely and genuinely care about the students. The classes are all taught well and there is no shortage of specialty classes (and general classes as well). The campus itself is beautiful and the surrounding area is as well, with lots of different things to do and places to go to - especially if you like to be outdoors. I do have to say, that I wish the campus was more accessible for those who are disabled though. And the food in the dining halls aren't the best. And the wifi can be spotty. But most of these can be overlooked (not the lack of accessibility), because overall there isn't a place that I would rather be in. And nowhere will be perfect, but the people I've met and the overall net positive of this school make it great for me.... Read 2,064 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 78%

• Net price $35,327

• SAT range —

• Fredonia, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  1,222 reviews

Senior: I love the small campus/community of Fredonia. Having a smaller campus makes it easier to connect personally to both other students and professors. I have been able to establish personal and professional connections that will benefit me in my future endeavors. I also love the new science center building. I have spent many hours in there studying! I would like to see some better options for advisement here at Fredonia. I have heard many negative experiences with advisement, so I make sure to do everything by myself. I think the school would be better if there were more opportunities for help with graduate programs.... Read 1,222 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $15,973

• SAT range 1090-1280

• Potsdam, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  756 reviews

Junior: I am currently a Junior at SUNY Potsdam and have enjoyed my time here thus far. I personally have enjoyed the life-long friends I've made, the connections I've made with my professors/department, and with those in the local community (especially, at the local coffee shop - Jernabis!). SUNY Potsdam, like many colleges, is what you make it. If you put yourself out there, join activities you like/are passionate about, and apply yourself in your department, the chance of you enjoying your college experience increases. Potsdam has a variety of student clubs/organizations and sports teams to join to connect with peers outside of classes too. Academics at Potsdam vary in quality depending on the department you are in, so I highly recommend searching and reaching out to your department of choice before attending. Dorming at Potsdam is pretty good and food is average/has downgraded slightly since COVID, but PACES is actively trying to improve. I recommend checking out Potsdam!... Read 756 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $14,494

• SAT range —

• Oneonta, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  1,178 reviews

Alum: Oneonta was such an amazing experience. I had the opportunity to form with 4 other girls and it was great! We communicated and talked things out. The campus life was good too and meeting new people and talking to a lot of people. Also, having a campus job and interacting with a lot of students on campus. Loved taking acting and dance classes it’s a great way to wind down but also get credit. Always attend events and explore the campus.... Read 1,178 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $17,594

• SAT range 980-1150

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  2,414 reviews

Alum: CUNY Hunter College was great for me, as someone who went to college right out of high school but wasn't yet sure of what I wanted to major in. All of my professors were phenomenal and I was able to get a good overview of what options I had in the first two years; I did not declare a major until the summer before my Junior year. It's a commuter school so it's easy to not get too involved with the culture but even so, in most majors you'll be taking a lot of classes with the same people, so it's still not difficult to get to know people. If you do want to get involved though, there are so many clubs! The workload is not unreasonably rigorous. Some classes are difficult, but for the most part, professors understand you have other commitments.... Read 2,414 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 46%

• Net price $4,586

• SAT range 1170-1340

• Rochester, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  846 reviews

Senior: Nazareth is my home away from home. Located in the beautiful Pittsford neighborhood of Rochester NY, Nazareth sports one of the most gorgeous campuses I’ve ever seen. You are surrounded by quaint, scholarly buildings, there’s a great fountain central to the campus, and you get all four seasons. The academics are good considering the scope and size of the campus. It is truly a liberal arts education, if that’s what you’d like. I have a major in data science with minors in math, psychology, and philosophy. I have only had an okay experience with a few professors, most are willing to meet with you often, are very personal, and create close professional relationships with their students. While not a research school, I have found a way to do some research projects through getting close with my professors, and this helped my successfully land an NSF funded REU at a D1 research school! The only complaint I have is with the food (it’s not good), but everything else is amazing!... Read 846 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $30,557

• SAT range —

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  1,834 reviews

Alum: AMAZING education, amazing people, amazing environment. I just graduated with my bachelors and will go back for masters! If you are looking for a warm, welcoming university that emphasizes the importance of education in adults, I would recommend this college.There are various degrees and oppourtunite to succeed at CUNY CCNY. You will never feel like you are alone and you can always reach out to their amazing staff who is always there whenever you need them. The advising department as well as the financial aid department are super helpful and attentive to students. As far as student life goes, there are multiple events and clubs one can attend and become a part of. There is also a piano in the NAC building that is free for students to stop and play during their free times. Everyone I've met here are wonderful, kind hearted people and those are the ones that I will cherish forever. I have made many of my lifelong friends here and I am thankful for everything this college gave me.... Read 1,834 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $4,213

• SAT range 1050-1260

• Albany, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  958 reviews

Graduate Student: Saint rose is a pretty good school depending on your program! If you're business (finance/accounting/marketing), you'll definitely have so much flexibility in scheduling and courses! The professors are super helpful when it comes to course work and other personal matters. Some professors however are strict and pretty mean, but you'll fine that anywhere! There's always events on campus and people around, so the campus is super lively. The diversity isn't the best (it's semi better than other colleges), but in recent years has definitely gotten better! Overall I would recommend saint rose, there's always something to do on campus, people to meet and there's a whole array of clubs and committees to join. The dining is decent, but the food places on campus are definitely great! Highly recommend Camelot Room and Midnight Eats! There's Starbucks which is nice and your student ID gives you free/unlimited use for the CDTA bus! It's great if you're a commuter or a student who likes to go out!... Read 958 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $23,474

• SAT range —

• Purchase, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.43 out of 5  1,158 reviews

Alum: For me, Purchase was an excellent school in an excellent location. Although I could have attended a Big City college, they beckoned, Purchase was the right choice for me. College is stressful enough without the stresses of Big City living while on a very limited budget. Don't get me wrong, nothing & nowhere is perfect. But the quasi-suburban/rural location worked for me. Education wise, professor wise, well, I was Top 5% all my classes & courses. I'm not sure would have happened elsewhere. Sure, look at the Big Ones - Columbia, UCLA, Notre Dame, Texas A&M - but don't discount Purchase. It's well worth a look! PS Like Vegas, what happens at Purchase stays at Purchase 😉... Read 1,158 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $19,458

• SAT range 1120-1320

• Brooklyn, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  1,273 reviews

Freshman: The school year has just begun, but I can already say I love it! Right before school began, I got a sense of community from a peer mentor reaching out to ensure I had a smooth start to my freshman year. Getting enrolled in my classes was an easy process thanks to the staff. The campus is beautiful and has many areas available to students which is a freedom I admire. Most importantly, I feel challenged in my classes, and the professors, despite what others may think, provide a fair academic experience through informative lectures and grading. I will say, that I wish course options were more open to undergraduate freshmen. It's understandable that those who have been enrolled longer have priority over choosing courses, but it was disappointing to find out I didn't have complete freedom over my schedule.... Read 1,273 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 51%

• Net price $4,254

• SAT range 1020-1180

• Queens, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.56 out of 5  1,252 reviews

Sophomore: Currently a sophomore student at Queens College and it is great so far! There are lots of clubs & activities to do on campus, internship opportunities, very fun social events from time to time. The drama program is excellent, offering plenty of performance opportunities to work with professionals in the theater world. The professors are all very passionate about what they do. But something I would like to see changed are quicker responses to emails regarding financial aid/registrar inquiries. I would also love to see more vegan food options in the cafeteria. There is not really a party scene because most people are commuters so everyone seems to be doing their own partying or fun on their own. Overall, I am having a great experience!... Read 1,252 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 61%

• Net price $4,777

• SAT range 1040-1190

• Rochester, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  491 reviews

Senior: I am currently in my fourth and final year at Roberts. In terms of academics, it is a small school, so you really get to know the professors. It is easy to meet with them one-on-one to help with any struggles. In terms of social life, I feel like there is always some event going on that students can get involved with. There are also a ton of groups that students can join in leadership roles to help put these events on. Sometimes these positions may come with a small scholarship! The people at Roberts are really the best part of the school. I've met some of my best friends here and have made hundreds of other connections with others across campus. In terms of faith, I can confidently say that I learned a lot more about Christ and have significantly built upon my faith since entering Roberts. The chapels, classes, and surrounding myself with believers were all beneficial. Overall, Roberts gave me the best experience I could have asked for. I would highly recommend the school to others!... Read 491 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 87%

• Net price $21,710

• SAT range 1020-1250

• Purchase, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.43 out of 5  868 reviews

Alum: I graduated here in 2018. I met one of my best friends there. The classes are small, the library has what you need. The food was great, I thought. There was more campus life than it seems, you just have to look for it. The campus is beautiful, and the dorms were great, since they renovated them while I was there. If you like small classes, they are great, and the professors are really helpful. If you have learning and/or physical disabilities like me then they have a great program for that! They have two gyms, (one for sports and the other for regular exercise) and they are both great. They have two chapels and a cemetery for the nuns that used to run the college. If you are a spiritual person (no matter the faith), you can enhance your spirituality there.... Read 868 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $21,969

• SAT range 1020-1230

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  453 reviews

Freshman: Two thumbs up! Great experience as a freshman and looking forward to the years to come. I recommend this school for sure. Profs are awesome. Diversity is amazing and is in a world class city.... Read 453 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $20,918

• SAT range 830-1080

• Dobbs Ferry, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  1,347 reviews

Freshman: Mercy College is a great school for students looking for affordable tuition, small classes, and a connected campus with faculty. Mercy offers many great programs where the staff is aimed to help you succeed, having multiple support systems available at all times. Mercy offers many resources that will help you throughout your four years in college, internships that pertain to your career, and campus life!... Read 1,347 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $15,027

• SAT range 910-1190

• Brookville, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.43 out of 5  1,839 reviews

Junior: LIU Post is a great school with a gorgeous campus. They did an especially great job in keeping all students and faculty safe during the COVID-19 pandemic and that really made me feel good to be a student there. Professors are all qualified and know their stuff, too. There is never a dull moment and they do a great job at creating a comfortable social setting as well. Only thing I would change is the faculty that works in the Promise Office. They are not always the most helpful and tend to make students feel like they need to fend for themselves in order to do things for themselves like building a schedule. But over all, great school and I'm happy to go there!... Read 1,839 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 93%

• Net price $22,620

• SAT range 1100-1320

• Buffalo, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  3,093 reviews

Alum: Overall pretty satisfied with my undergraduate experience, but SUNY Buffalo is definitely a school that might not appeal to everybody. If you're a fan of big schools like myself, then it's great; plenty of campus activities and sports, absolutely amazing food choices (the dorm even has a grocery store), different campuses with different vibes for different people, and so many groups of people from all different walks of life. However, it's definitely huge party school (a pro and a con), and there's some safety issues outside of South campus to be aware of. Likewise, due to the massive class size, it's essential to be self-reliant/driven in your studies, and I could definitely see the 500 person lecture halls and greater difficulty connecting with professors turning-off people from UB. Parts of North campus itself does look a bit visually unappealing, and parking is a constant issue among students as well. However, if you're looking for a city within a school feel, UB is the way to go!... Read 3,093 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $17,954

• SAT range 1180-1360

• Vestal, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  2,623 reviews

Senior: I have enjoyed my time at Binghamton University. I am pursuing medical degree after my undergraduate and have received a lot of support from Binghamton's academic advising to make sure that I am on track. Taking online classes during the pandemic shut down was an interesting way to start my journey at Binghamton University, but they managed to adapt to changing circumstances and deliver impeccable educational content. Binghamton offers many ways to get involved with the research and outreach that the university is engaged in. For example, I am a part of two of the psychological research labs on campus. One thing that I would like to see change at Binghamton is more work opportunities and resources offered to students who are struggling financially. I, like many of my peers, have put myself through school without contribution from family and more economically enriching opportunities would have helped me support myself through my education. Thank you!... Read 2,623 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 44%

• Net price $17,881

• SAT range 1310-1470