2026 Best Value Drama And Theater Arts Schools
Looking for the best-value Drama And Theater Arts programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 1121 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Grad Degree analyzed schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Drama And Theater Arts Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Columbia College Chicago earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,088. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $26,977. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,195. That is a strong return on a $26,977 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read the full report on Columbia College Chicago
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Lindenwood University earned it the #2 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Charles, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,600. The median Drama And Theater Arts program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $53,278 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 57%. Get the full Lindenwood University report
Out of the 1121 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #3 spot. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Graduates carry a median of $24,853 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. Set against $24,853 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Minnesota State University Mankato
Mount St Marys College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Drama And Theater Arts ranking in the United States. Set in Los Angeles, CA, Mount St Marys College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,564. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $27,555. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,379. That is a strong return on a $27,555 median debt. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Mount St Marys College profile
You'll get strong value at Stephens College, which ranked #5 this year. Based in Columbia, MO, Stephens College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $28,300. The median Drama And Theater Arts program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,071. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Stephens College admits about 77% of applicants. See the full Stephens College profile
Texas A And M University Commerce came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Texas A And M University Commerce is a public school based in Commerce, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,026, compared with $22,326 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,796 in student loans. Texas A And M University Commerce alumni report median earnings of $50,296 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,796 median debt. Texas A And M University Commerce admits about 92% of applicants. See the full Texas A And M University Commerce profile
University Of South Dakota ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools. Based in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,432, compared with $12,942 for out-of-state students. University Of South Dakota Drama And Theater Arts students take on a median of $26,322 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,926. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of South Dakota
National University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. National University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. Students from in state pay about $13,284 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $30,426 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. Median earnings reach $67,548 ten years out. Set against $30,426 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about National University
Illinois State University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Set in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $24,246. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,117. That is a strong return on a $24,246 median debt. Illinois State University admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Illinois State University
Cuny Graduate School And University Center placed #10 among the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools in the United States. Located in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,235, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,921 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,991. Set against $17,921 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center report
Texas Womans University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,640, compared with $18,480 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,211 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,544. That is a strong return on a $24,211 median debt. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas Womans University
Missouri State University Springfield placed #12 among the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools in the United States. Missouri State University Springfield is a public school based in Springfield, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Students borrow a median of $25,250 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. Median earnings reach $49,827 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,250 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Missouri State University Springfield report
University Of Southern Mississippi placed #13 among the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Hattiesburg, MS. In-state tuition and fees average $9,998, while out-of-state students pay about $11,998. Students borrow a median of $25,415 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. University Of Southern Mississippi alumni report median earnings of $44,140 a decade after entry. Set against $25,415 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. Get the full University Of Southern Mississippi report
Northern Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,808. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. More on Northern Illinois University
University Of Nebraska Lincoln offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Based in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,887. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report
Azusa Pacific University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Azusa, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,458. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $23,709. Azusa Pacific University alumni report median earnings of $66,677 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,709 median debt. Azusa Pacific University has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on Azusa Pacific University
Regent University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Set in Virginia Beach, VA, Regent University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,650. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $29,451. Regent University alumni report median earnings of $44,498 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Regent University admits about 38% of applicants. Get the full Regent University report
Montclair State University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools. This public school is set in Montclair, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,912, while out-of-state students pay about $26,022. The median Drama And Theater Arts program debt is $25,022. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,415. That is a strong return on a $25,022 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Montclair State University
Kansas State University placed #19 among the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools in the United States. Kansas State University is a public school based in Manhattan, KS. Students from in state pay about $11,221 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,546 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,262. That is a strong return on a $23,546 median debt. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Kansas State University
Western Illinois University placed #20 among the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools in the United States. Western Illinois University is a public school based in Macomb, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,572. Students borrow a median of $27,639 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. Western Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $54,163 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,639 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Western Illinois University
University Of Houston ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools. University Of Houston is a public school based in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. University Of Houston Drama And Theater Arts students take on a median of $21,255 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,377. That is a strong return on a $21,255 median debt. University Of Houston has an acceptance rate of 74%. See the full University Of Houston profile
University Of California Berkeley ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. The median Drama And Theater Arts program debt is $15,112. Median earnings reach $92,446 ten years out. Set against $15,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile
Loyola Marymount University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools. Based in Los Angeles, CA, Loyola Marymount University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,867. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $23,250. Median earnings reach $78,349 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Loyola Marymount University profile
Rowan University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools. Located in Glassboro, NJ, Rowan University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,574 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $26,932. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,988. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rowan University admits about 78% of applicants. More on Rowan University
Oklahoma City University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Located in Oklahoma City, OK, Oklahoma City University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,754. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Oklahoma City University alumni report median earnings of $54,655 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Oklahoma City University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Drama And Theater Arts Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
The University Of Texas At Austin offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. The University Of Texas At Austin Drama And Theater Arts students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,121. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile
Texas Tech University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,852 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Graduates carry a median of $26,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,454. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Texas Tech University
Mississippi University For Women placed #28 among the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools in the United States. Located in Columbus, MS, Mississippi University For Women is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,492. Graduates carry a median of $24,509 in student loans. Median earnings reach $46,128 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,509 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Mississippi University For Women profile
Texas State University San Marcos placed #29 among the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools in the United States. Texas State University San Marcos is a public school based in San Marcos, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $22,930. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $21,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,906. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Texas State University San Marcos
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools. This public school is set in Blacksburg, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Students borrow a median of $24,637 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,698. That is a strong return on a $24,637 median debt. The acceptance rate is 55%. More on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Bowling Green State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. This public school is set in Bowling Green, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,912, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,250 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,896. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Bowling Green State University Main Campus report
California State University Northridge landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Northridge, CA, California State University Northridge is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,458 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,058 for out-of-state students. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $17,863. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,115 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,863 median debt. California State University Northridge has an acceptance rate of 93%. More on California State University Northridge
University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. This public school is set in Winston Salem, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $9,477, while out-of-state students pay about $27,211. The median Drama And Theater Arts program debt is $24,592. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,357. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts admits about 30% of applicants. See the full University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts profile
San Diego State University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,728 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $15,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,909. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. San Diego State University has an acceptance rate of 36%. Read more about San Diego State University
University Of Arkansas ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools. This public school is set in Fayetteville, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $29,966. Students borrow a median of $24,019 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,191 ten years after entry. Set against $24,019 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read the full report on University Of Arkansas
Point Park University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools. Point Park University is a private not-for-profit school based in Pittsburgh, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,570. Point Park University Drama And Theater Arts students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,856 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Point Park University report
San Francisco State University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,846, compared with $20,446 for out-of-state students. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $16,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,077. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. San Francisco State University admits about 96% of applicants. More on San Francisco State University
University Of Nevada Las Vegas ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools. Located in Las Vegas, NV, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,748 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,411 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,657 in student loans. University Of Nevada Las Vegas alumni report median earnings of $55,037 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%. Read more about University Of Nevada Las Vegas
The University Of Montana came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Set in Missoula, MT, The University Of Montana is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,552, while out-of-state students pay about $33,671. The median Drama And Theater Arts program debt is $27,997. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,511. Set against $27,997 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%. More on The University Of Montana
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $21,813. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,792. That is a strong return on a $21,813 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
Purdue University Main Campus came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. The median Drama And Theater Arts program debt is $19,844. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,424. That is a strong return on a $19,844 median debt. The acceptance rate is 50%. More on Purdue University Main Campus
University Of California Davis offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Based in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,804, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. Graduates carry a median of $13,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,838 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,000 median debt. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of California Davis report
University Of Georgia offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Based in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $19,399. University Of Georgia alumni report median earnings of $68,726 a decade after entry. Set against $19,399 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 38%. More on University Of Georgia
University Of New Orleans offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Located in New Orleans, LA, University Of New Orleans is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,172, compared with $14,008 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,987 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. University Of New Orleans alumni report median earnings of $47,872 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of New Orleans
University Of California Santa Barbara ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools. University Of California Santa Barbara is a public school based in Santa Barbara, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,444, compared with $47,332 for out-of-state students. University Of California Santa Barbara Drama And Theater Arts students take on a median of $16,852 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,915. Set against $16,852 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Santa Barbara has an acceptance rate of 33%. Read more about University Of California Santa Barbara
Villanova University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Located in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,776 in tuition and fees. The median Drama And Theater Arts program debt is $26,184. Villanova University alumni report median earnings of $100,423 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,184 median debt. The acceptance rate is 27%. Read more about Villanova University
California State University Los Angeles placed #47 among the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools in the United States. Located in Los Angeles, CA, California State University Los Angeles is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,164, while out-of-state students pay about $19,764. Graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $59,211 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. California State University Los Angeles has an acceptance rate of 91%. Get the full California State University Los Angeles report
University Of California San Diego came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in La Jolla, CA. Students from in state pay about $15,788 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,676. Graduates carry a median of $14,650 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,943. That is a strong return on a $14,650 median debt. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of California San Diego
University Of Northern Colorado offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Based in Greeley, CO, University Of Northern Colorado is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,901, with out-of-state students paying around $26,979. Students borrow a median of $24,000 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. University Of Northern Colorado alumni report median earnings of $52,231 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. University Of Northern Colorado has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about University Of Northern Colorado
California State University Long Beach landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,374, while out-of-state students pay about $19,974. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,403. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Long Beach admits about 46% of applicants. Get the full California State University Long Beach report
Best Value Drama And Theater Arts Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Drama And Theater Arts Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Drama And Theater Arts Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Drama And Theater Arts Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Drama And Theater Arts Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Drama And Theater Arts Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Drama And Theater Arts Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Drama And Theater Arts Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 1121 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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