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Question:

Where can I find rankings of college level schools of music online?

I've seen a few college websites quote their so called ranking like "one of top 20 music schools in the country", but I've actually found any rank lists on-line.
Also, I know Downbeat Magazine does rankings of Jazz programs, but I wasn't able to find them on thier website.
Thanks for any insight. Thanks.


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: US News does a list for graduate schools. I think you now have to pay to get that info, though. Last I knew, the rankings near the top were:

1University of Rochester–Eastman School of Music (NY)
2Indiana University–Bloomington
2Juilliard School (NY)
4University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
5Curtis Institute of Music (PA)
6New England Conservatory of Music (MA)
6Northwestern University (IL)
6Oberlin College Conservatory (OH)
6University of Cincinnati
6University of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign
6Yale University (CT)
12Florida State University
12Manhattan School of Music (NY)
12University of Southern California
15Johns Hopkins University–Peabody (MD)
15University of North Texas

This is not up-to-date, but it changes little from year to year. Bear in mind this is for GRADUATE programs, and is the overall rankings. Individual programs vary quite a bit. (UNT, where I teach, was number 1 in Jazz last time I checked, and only tied for 15th overall. Indiana, where I went to school, is number 1 in voice and opera, but tied for second overall.)

Also, these rankings are highly subjective, and based on REPUTATION, which may or may not reflect the actual merits of these programs. I am often asked by students and their parents, "What's the best music school?" My answer is always, "The queston should be, 'What's the best music school FOR ME."

Think about it.