In the search for the perfect college or university, most students and parents understandably lean toward big names and prestige. In fact, a recent survey found that 88% of students and parents believe attending a university is more prestigious than attending a college, and that university graduates have greater career opportunities.

But here’s the truth: when it comes to studying music, prestige isn’t the deciding factor — fit is. The right environment can shape your musical development, give you real performance opportunities, and open doors to a lasting career in the arts.

A small college may offer unmatched performance opportunities and mentorship, while a large university may leave even highly talented students struggling to get a seat in an ensemble. Understanding the real differences between a college and a university — and how they affect a music education — is critical before you make your choice.

College vs. University — What’s the Real Difference?

First, let’s clear up a common misunderstanding: the difference between a college and a university isn’t just about size or fame — it’s about structure.

• A college focuses primarily on undergraduate education. It may offer excellent bachelor's degrees but typically does not offer graduate degrees across multiple fields.
• A university must offer graduate programs (master’s, doctorate) in a variety of disciplines — not just music, but areas like business, engineering, education, and more.

Important for Music Students: Some universities — like Furman University (Greenville, South Carolina) — have undergraduate-only music programs. Though they are universities by classification, their music departments operate more like a college program, providing bachelor’s degrees without graduate students competing for resources or ensemble spots.

In music, the name “college” or “university” isn’t what matters — it’s how the program is structured and who you'll be learning alongside.

Career Goals: How They Shape Your Best Choice

Before you decide on a school, it’s important to think about your future career in music. Some career paths are better suited to the broad training you’ll get at a college; others require the specialized resources and graduate programs that universities offer.

Personality and Learning Style: Where Will You Thrive?

Choosing a music program isn’t just about your career goals — it’s about finding an environment where you can learn and thrive.

Some students flourish in smaller, personal settings. Others need the competition and scope of a larger institution.

Ensemble Participation: Where Will You Get to Perform?

For music majors, ensemble participation isn’t optional — it’s essential. Performing with ensembles is where you develop teamwork, leadership, musicianship, and build your résumé.

At colleges, undergraduates are the foundation of the ensembles. Every chair, every solo, every tour spot is filled by undergraduates.

At universities, undergraduates compete directly with graduate students — and the best opportunities often go to the grad students. It's entirely possible for talented undergraduates to spend four years at a university without ever making a top ensemble — or, in some cases, any ensemble at all.

Types of Music Programs: Which One Fits You?

Now that you understand the key differences, it’s time to look at the five major types of music programs you’ll encounter:

1. Colleges with a Music Department
   Small liberal arts or faith-based colleges often house music departments that focus on undergraduate music education. Students typically earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in music. These programs offer a balance between general academic studies and focused music coursework — and because there are no graduate students, all performance opportunities go to undergraduates.
   Examples: St. Olaf College (MN); Williams College (MA); Snow College (UT); Salem College (NC); Austin College (TX).
2. Colleges with a Conservatory
   Some colleges house conservatories — highly specialized divisions where 90–95% of a student's coursework is in music. These programs typically offer the Bachelor of Music (BM) or Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA).
   Examples: Oberlin College Conservatory of Music (OH); Gettysburg College, Sunderman Conservatory of Music (PA); Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Conservatory (IN); Wheaton College Conservatory of Music (IL); Brooklyn College Conservatory of Music (NY).
3. Universities with a Music Department
   Smaller universities, often state-sponsored or faith-based, house music departments that focus on undergraduate music education. Students earn a BA or BS in music.
   Examples: University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (TX); Lander University (SC); Florida A&M University (FL); Central Washington University (WA); Drake University (IA).
4. Universities with a School of Music
   Large universities often house a School of Music offering undergraduate through doctoral degrees. These schools balance high-level performance training with access to the university’s academic resources.
   Examples: University of Michigan (School of Music, Theatre & Dance) (MI); Indiana University Jacobs School of Music (IN); University of Miami Frost School of Music (FL); University of North Texas College of Music (TX); Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester (NY).
5. Universities with a Music Conservatory
   Universities host a true conservatory on campus — blending the intensity of conservatory training with the resources of a major university.
   Examples: Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music at University of Cincinnati (OH); University of the Pacific Conservatory of Music (CA); Westminster Choir College at Rider University (NJ); Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University (MD); Chapman University Conservatory of Music (CA).
6. Pure Conservatories
   Stand-alone institutions dedicated entirely to professional music training. These schools are highly selective and deeply immersive, with over 80% of coursework focused on music.
   Examples: The Juilliard School (NY); Colburn School (CA); Curtis Institute of Music (PA); New England Conservatory of Music (MA); San Francisco Conservatory (CA).

Final Thoughts: Fit Over Fame

When it comes to choosing a music program, it’s easy to get caught up in rankings and reputation. But success isn’t built on prestige alone — it’s built on opportunities, mentorship, and fit.

The reality is: bigger isn’t always better. A smaller college might offer you the performance experiences, leadership roles, and personal attention that pave the way for a strong start in your career. A major university might have world-class facilities and faculty, but with that comes greater competition and fewer opportunities for undergraduates.

Your career starts the moment you step on campus — and the environment you choose will shape how much you grow and how far you go.

Find the place where you’ll get on stage, get in front of the ensemble, and get noticed. In the end, it’s not about where you go — it’s about what you do with the opportunities you have.

Choose wisely. Choose fit. Choose your future.