Cincinnati College-Conservatory

The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) is a preeminent performing arts school formed in 1955 through the merger of the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music (1867) and the College of Music of Cincinnati (1878). It joined the University of Cincinnati in 1962. CCM enrolls 1,376 students from 41 U.S. states and 41 countries, with international students representing 23% of the student body. Playbill consistently ranks CCM among the top 10 most represented colleges on Broadway.

Programs and Degrees

CCM offers Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, Doctor of Musical Arts, and Ph.D. degrees across its academic divisions. The college is particularly known for its musical theater and opera programs.

• Music (BM, MM, DMA, PhD): Performance-based undergraduate programs in all orchestral instruments, piano, classical guitar, jazz studies, and voice. Graduate degrees include collaborative piano and music education. Ph.D. programs are offered in musicology, music history, and music theory. Artist Diplomas are available in most performance areas.
• Musical Theater (BFA): Founded in 1969, this is the oldest bachelor's degree musical theater program in the United States. Consistently ranked among the nation's top programs and considered the most selective undergraduate program at the University of Cincinnati. Playbill named CCM one of the "schools of the stars" with the most Tony Award nominees in 2024.
• Opera and Voice (MM, DMA): Ranked second in the United States in 2017 and 2020. Students participate in young artist programs at Lyric Opera of Chicago, San Francisco Opera, and Opera Theater Saint Louis. The annual Opera Scholarship Competition offers full-tuition scholarships plus $10,000 to $15,000 in cash prizes.
• Acting for Stage and Screen (BFA): Trains students for dramatic theater, film, and television. The Hollywood Reporter ranked CCM number 12 among the top 25 undergraduate drama schools worldwide in 2015.
• Theater Design and Production (MFA, BFA): One of only two U.S. schools offering an MFA in Makeup and Wig Design, and one of very few offering an MFA in Stage Properties. Features an 8,500 square foot scene shop and 3,000 square foot costume shop. Alumni work with Hamilton, Cirque du Soleil, and Feld Entertainment.
• Dance (BFA): Ballet-focused program with performance opportunities throughout the academic year.
• Arts Administration and Media Production: Additional degree programs combining arts management with practical media training, including sports media broadcasts with ESPN.

CCM presents nearly 1,000 performances each academic year, making it the largest single source of performing arts presentations in Ohio. Many performances are free to University of Cincinnati students.

Tuition and Admissions

For the 2026-27 academic year, CCM tuition varies by residency status:

• Ohio Resident: $16,748 per year (undergraduate)
• KY/IN Metro Rate: $17,348 per year (undergraduate)
• Out of State: $32,082 per year (undergraduate)
• In-State Graduate: $20,185 per year
• Out of State Graduate: $31,927 per year
• International Graduate: $32,177 per year

For the 2026-27 admissions cycle, CCM received 3,942 total applications (2,638 undergraduate, 1,304 graduate). The average GPA of admitted students is 3.6/4.0 for both undergraduate and graduate programs. The faculty includes 116 full-time and 151 part-time members, plus 50 CCM Prep faculty and 53 staff.

Admission requires an audition or portfolio submission, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and sometimes a personal interview. Musical theater and opera programs have particularly competitive acceptance rates. Application deadlines typically fall in early December for fall enrollment.

Notable Alumni and Faculty

CCM alumni perform on Broadway stages, in major opera houses, and in orchestras worldwide. The college's musical theater program has produced numerous Tony Award nominees and winners. Opera alumni regularly secure positions in young artist programs at premier U.S. opera companies.

Noted faculty have included Dorothy Delay, the American violin instructor who taught at CCM for nearly 30 years and trained many noted violinists of the late 20th century. The college's proximity to the Cincinnati Opera (the second oldest opera company in the United States, which evolved from CCM's Summer Zoo Opera founded in 1920) provides students with professional performance connections.

Why It Matters for Aspiring Musicians

CCM offers the resources of a comprehensive arts conservatory within a major research university. This combination gives students access to professional-level training, extensive performance facilities, and academic resources that standalone conservatories may not provide. The nearly 1,000 annual performances mean students gain substantial stage experience before graduating.

For musical theater and opera specifically, CCM is one of the strongest programs in the United States. Its consistent placement on Playbill's Broadway rankings and its opera program's national reputation make it a top choice for performers targeting careers in musical theater or operatic performance.

The tuition structure makes CCM more affordable than standalone conservatories like Juilliard or Curtis, particularly for Ohio residents. Out-of-state students should compare costs carefully, as the $32,082 undergraduate rate is still lower than many private conservatory tuitions.

Visit the CCM admissions page for audition requirements and deadlines. You can also read our guide on how to get nominated for a Grammy or explore music supervision as a career path for perspectives on music industry careers beyond performance.

Related Resources

• How to Get Nominated for a Grammy
• Music Supervision Career Guide: How to Break In
• How to Network in the Music Industry Online and Offline
• Music Schools Directory
• Streaming Royalty Calculator