2026 Best Value Drama And Theater Arts Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Drama And Theater Arts doctoral degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1121 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Grad Degree reviewed schools to produce 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Cuny Graduate School And University Center tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts doctoral degree schools in the United States. Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public school based in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,235, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,921 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,991 ten years after entry. Set against $17,921 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center report
Out of the 1121 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #2 spot. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
You'll get strong value at University Of California Berkeley, which ranked #3 this year. Based in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $15,112. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,446 ten years after entry. Set against $15,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11%. Get the full University Of California Berkeley report
Bowling Green State University Main Campus came in at #4 on this year's best-value Drama And Theater Arts ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Bowling Green, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $13,912, while out-of-state students pay about $21,900. Bowling Green State University Main Campus Drama And Theater Arts students take on a median of $25,250 in debt. Median earnings reach $47,896 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bowling Green State University Main Campus admits about 81% of applicants. More on Bowling Green State University Main Campus
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #5 on this year's best-value Drama And Theater Arts ranking in the United States. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Graduates carry a median of $21,813 in student loans. 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 more about University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of California Los Angeles offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Graduates carry a median of $16,970 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,511 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,970 median debt. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of California Los Angeles
University Of California Davis landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Davis, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,804, while out-of-state students pay about $47,692. Students borrow a median of $13,000 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. Median earnings reach $80,838 ten years out. Set against $13,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%. More on University Of California Davis
University Of California Santa Barbara ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools. This public school is set in Santa Barbara, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,444, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. Students borrow a median of $16,852 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,915. Set against $16,852 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Santa Barbara admits about 33% of applicants. See the full University Of California Santa Barbara profile
University Of Missouri Columbia offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Set in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,837, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. Students borrow a median of $21,818 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. University Of Missouri Columbia alumni report median earnings of $63,403 a decade after entry. Set against $21,818 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Missouri Columbia
University Of Georgia landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,399 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. University Of Georgia alumni report median earnings of $68,726 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,399 median debt. The acceptance rate is 38%. See the full University Of Georgia profile
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #11 among the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools in the United States. Located in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign alumni report median earnings of $81,054 a decade after entry. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign has an acceptance rate of 42%. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Florida State University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools. Based in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,517, with out-of-state students paying around $21,683. Students borrow a median of $21,000 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. Median earnings reach $61,675 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,000 median debt. Florida State University has an acceptance rate of 24%. More on Florida State University
University Of California San Diego landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,788, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $14,650. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $84,943. Set against $14,650 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of California San Diego
University Of Kansas placed #14 among the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools in the United States. Located in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,102, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $23,608. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,945 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Kansas admits about 94% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Kansas
Arizona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. This public school is set in Tempe, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Students borrow a median of $19,606 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. Set against $19,606 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Arizona State University profile
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus placed #16 among the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,926, while out-of-state students pay about $41,430. The median Drama And Theater Arts program debt is $24,958. Graduates go on to earn a median of $66,125 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus has an acceptance rate of 58%. See the full University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus profile
University Of Maryland College Park came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in College Park, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $20,681. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,860. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Maryland College Park admits about 45% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Maryland College Park
New York University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Located in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,796. Graduates carry a median of $21,762 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,509 ten years after entry. Set against $21,762 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 9%. Read more about New York University
University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Based in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $15,638. University Of Washington Seattle Campus alumni report median earnings of $78,466 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants. More on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
University Of Oregon offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. This public school is set in Eugene, OR. Students from in state pay about $15,320 in tuition and fees, compared with $42,516 for out-of-state students. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $22,034. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,324. Set against $22,034 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Oregon admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about University Of Oregon
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. The median Drama And Theater Arts program debt is $23,250. Median earnings reach $69,020 ten years out. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities profile
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College placed #22 among the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools in the United States. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public school based in Baton Rouge, LA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,954, compared with $28,631 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,251. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College has an acceptance rate of 73%. Read the full report on Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College
Indiana University Bloomington landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Indiana University Bloomington is a public school based in Bloomington, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,144, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,000 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,742 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Bloomington admits about 78% of applicants. Read more about Indiana University Bloomington
Northwestern University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Evanston, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $68,322. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $17,000. Median earnings reach $89,363 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,000 median debt. Northwestern University has an acceptance rate of 8%. Read more about Northwestern University
Ohio State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Located in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. Ohio State University Main Campus Drama And Theater Arts students take on a median of $25,250 in debt. Median earnings reach $60,409 ten years out. Set against $25,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ohio State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants. See the full Ohio State University Main Campus profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Drama And Theater Arts Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Hawaii At Manoa offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Located in Honolulu, HI, University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,186, compared with $34,218 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,577 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. Median earnings reach $57,624 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Hawaii At Manoa
Tufts University placed #27 among the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools in the United States. Based in Medford, MA, Tufts University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,704. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $17,074. Tufts University alumni report median earnings of $83,214 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 12% of those who apply are admitted. More on Tufts University
Columbia University In The City Of New York offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Based in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,517. Columbia University In The City Of New York Drama And Theater Arts students take on a median of $23,258 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $102,491. That is a strong return on a $23,258 median debt. The acceptance rate is 4%. Read the full report on Columbia University In The City Of New York
Brown University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Providence, RI, Brown University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $71,312. Students borrow a median of $13,025 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $93,487. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brown University admits about 5% of applicants. Read more about Brown University
Bemidji State University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Read the full report on Bemidji State University
Clark State Community College landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Clark State Community College report
Columbia College Chicago placed #32 among the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools in the United States. See the full Columbia College Chicago profile
Edgewood College
Edgewood College came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Edgewood College
Los Angeles Mission College landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on Los Angeles Mission College
Oklahoma City Community College came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Oklahoma City Community College report
Otterbein University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. See the full Otterbein University profile
Reinhardt University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Reinhardt University report
Rochester College placed #38 among the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools in the United States. Read more about Rochester College
University Of Kentucky offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Get the full University Of Kentucky report
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point
Fidm Fashion Institute Of Design And Merchandising Los Angeles placed #41 among the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools in the United States. See the full Fidm Fashion Institute Of Design And Merchandising Los Angeles profile
Fresno City College came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Fresno City College
Huntington University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. See the full Huntington University profile
Indiana Wesleyan University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Indiana Wesleyan University report
Marywood University placed #45 among the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools in the United States. See the full Marywood University profile
Saint Augustines College placed #46 among the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools in the United States. Read more about Saint Augustines College
Southwestern Assemblies Of God University landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on Southwestern Assemblies Of God University
Virginia Commonwealth University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools. See the full Virginia Commonwealth University profile
Gannon University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Get the full Gannon University report
Portland State University landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Portland State University
Related Drama And Theater Arts Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Drama And Theater Arts Schools (All Levels)
- 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
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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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