2026 Best Value Drama And Theater Arts Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Drama And Theater Arts master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 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.
To help you make your decision, Grad Degree evaluated 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 Master’s Degree 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. Based in Chicago, IL, Columbia College Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,088. Graduates carry a median of $26,977 in student loans. Columbia College Chicago alumni report median earnings of $42,195 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,977 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on Columbia College Chicago
You'll get strong value at Lindenwood University, which ranked #2 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Charles, MO. Students from in state pay about $21,600 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,278 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Lindenwood University
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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. The median Drama And Theater Arts program debt is $24,853. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,922. That is a strong return on a $24,853 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
You'll get strong value at Mount St Marys College, which ranked #4 this year. Located 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. Mount St Marys College Drama And Theater Arts students take on a median of $27,555 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,379 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,555 median debt. Mount St Marys College admits about 73% of applicants. See the full Mount St Marys College profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Stephens College earned it the #5 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Columbia, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $28,300. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,071. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Stephens College admits about 77% of applicants. More on Stephens College
Texas A And M University Commerce ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools. Texas A And M University Commerce is a public school based in Commerce, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $10,026, with out-of-state students paying around $22,326. Graduates carry a median of $23,796 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,296. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%. Get the full Texas A And M University Commerce report
University Of South Dakota landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,432, while out-of-state students pay about $12,942. Graduates carry a median of $26,322 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,926. Set against $26,322 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of South Dakota
National University placed #8 among the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools in the United States. National University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,284. The median Drama And Theater Arts program debt is $30,426. 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 landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $24,246. Illinois State University alumni report median earnings of $62,117 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,246 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Illinois State University report
Cuny Graduate School And University Center landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public school based in New York, NY. Students from in state pay about $7,235 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. Cuny Graduate School And University Center Drama And Theater Arts students take on a median of $17,921 in debt. 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. Cuny Graduate School And University Center has an acceptance rate of 68%. Read more about Cuny Graduate School And University Center
Texas Womans University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Denton, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,640, while out-of-state students pay about $18,480. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $24,211. Median earnings reach $56,544 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,211 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Texas Womans University
University Of Southern Mississippi came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Hattiesburg, MS. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,998, while out-of-state students pay about $11,998. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $25,415. University Of Southern Mississippi alumni report median earnings of $44,140 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,415 median debt. University Of Southern Mississippi has an acceptance rate of 99%. See the full University Of Southern Mississippi profile
Northern Illinois University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools. Set in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Northern Illinois University Drama And Theater Arts students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. More on Northern Illinois University
University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,887 ten years after entry. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Azusa Pacific University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Azusa Pacific University is a private not-for-profit school based in Azusa, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,458. Students borrow a median of $23,709 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,677. Set against $23,709 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Azusa Pacific University admits about 88% of applicants. See the full Azusa Pacific University profile
Regent University placed #16 among the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools in the United States. Based in Virginia Beach, VA, Regent University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,650. Regent University Drama And Theater Arts students take on a median of $29,451 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,498. Set against $29,451 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 38%. More on Regent University
Montclair State University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Montclair State University is a public school based in Montclair, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. Graduates carry a median of $25,022 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,415. That is a strong return on a $25,022 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Montclair State University
Kansas State University landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Manhattan, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Graduates carry a median of $23,546 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,262 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,546 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Kansas State University
Western Illinois University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools. Set in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,572. Students borrow a median of $27,639 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,163. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 71%. Get the full Western Illinois University report
University Of Houston offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Located in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $21,255. University Of Houston alumni report median earnings of $62,377 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,255 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Houston report
Loyola Marymount University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,867. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,349 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Loyola Marymount University admits about 45% of applicants. See the full Loyola Marymount University profile
Rowan University placed #22 among the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools in the United States. Rowan University is a public school based in Glassboro, NJ. 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. Ten years after enrolling, 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. See the full Rowan University profile
Oklahoma City University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Set in Oklahoma City, OK, Oklahoma City University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,754. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $54,655 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Oklahoma City University profile
Texas Tech University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Texas Tech University Drama And Theater Arts students take on a median of $26,500 in debt. Texas Tech University alumni report median earnings of $62,454 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 73%. See the full Texas Tech University profile
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Located 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, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,121. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Drama And Theater Arts Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of California Berkeley landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $15,112. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,446 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,112 median debt. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
Mississippi University For Women landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Mississippi University For Women is a public school based in Columbus, MS. In-state tuition and fees average $8,492. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $24,509. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,128. That is a strong return on a $24,509 median debt. Mississippi University For Women admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Mississippi University For Women profile
Texas State University San Marcos offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Based in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, compared with $22,930 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,906. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Texas State University San Marcos admits about 89% of applicants. Get the full Texas State University San Marcos report
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University placed #29 among the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools in the United States. Based in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. The median Drama And Theater Arts program debt is $24,637. Median earnings reach $81,698 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,637 median debt. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University report
California State University Northridge landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Northridge, CA, California State University Northridge is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,458, compared with $20,058 for out-of-state students. The median Drama And Theater Arts program debt is $17,863. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,115. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. More on California State University Northridge
University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Set in Winston Salem, NC, University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,477, compared with $27,211 for out-of-state students. University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts Drama And Theater Arts students take on a median of $24,592 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,357. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 30% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts
San Diego State University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools. Set in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,728, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. The median Drama And Theater Arts program debt is $15,000. Median earnings reach $64,909 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 36%. Get the full San Diego State University report
University Of Arkansas placed #32 among the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools in the United States. Based in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $29,966. University Of Arkansas Drama And Theater Arts students take on a median of $24,019 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,191. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Arkansas report
Point Park University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, Point Park University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,570. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,856 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Point Park University has an acceptance rate of 97%. More on Point Park University
San Francisco State University placed #35 among the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools in the United States. Located in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,846, while out-of-state students pay about $20,446. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $16,250. San Francisco State University alumni report median earnings of $68,077 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,250 median debt. San Francisco State University has an acceptance rate of 96%. Get the full San Francisco State University report
University Of Nevada Las Vegas landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Las Vegas, NV, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,748, with out-of-state students paying around $27,411. The median Drama And Theater Arts program debt is $19,657. University Of Nevada Las Vegas alumni report median earnings of $55,037 a decade after entry. Set against $19,657 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nevada Las Vegas admits about 96% of applicants. Get the full University Of Nevada Las Vegas report
The University Of Montana offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Based in Missoula, MT, The University Of Montana is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,552 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,671 for out-of-state students. The University Of Montana Drama And Theater Arts students take on a median of $27,997 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,511. Set against $27,997 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. More on The University Of Montana
Bowling Green State University Main Campus landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,912, with out-of-state students paying around $21,900. The median Drama And Theater Arts program debt is $25,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,896 ten years after entry. 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
Purdue University Main Campus ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools. Purdue University Main Campus is a public school based in West Lafayette, IN. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. The median Drama And Theater Arts program debt is $19,844. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,424. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Purdue University Main Campus report
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Graduates carry a median of $21,813 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,792. That is a strong return on a $21,813 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of California Davis ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools. Located in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,804, with out-of-state students paying around $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. That is a strong return on a $13,000 median debt. University Of California Davis admits about 42% of applicants. Read more about University Of California Davis
University Of Georgia landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Students borrow a median of $19,399 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,726 ten years after entry. Set against $19,399 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Georgia report
University Of New Orleans offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Based in New Orleans, LA, University Of New Orleans is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,172, compared with $14,008 for out-of-state students. University Of New Orleans Drama And Theater Arts students take on a median of $21,987 in debt. University Of New Orleans alumni report median earnings of $47,872 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,987 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of New Orleans profile
Villanova University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Set in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,776. The median Drama And Theater Arts program debt is $26,184. Graduates go on to earn a median of $100,423 ten years after entry. Set against $26,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Villanova University admits about 27% of applicants. More on Villanova University
University Of California San Diego landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,788, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. The median Drama And Theater Arts program debt is $14,650. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $84,943. That is a strong return on a $14,650 median debt. The acceptance rate is 27%. Read more about University Of California San Diego
California State University Los Angeles offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,164, with out-of-state students paying around $19,764. Graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. California State University Los Angeles alumni report median earnings of $59,211 a decade after entry. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Los Angeles admits about 91% of applicants. See the full California State University Los Angeles profile
University Of Northern Colorado ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools. This public school is set in Greeley, CO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,901, while out-of-state students pay about $26,979. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $24,000. University Of Northern Colorado alumni report median earnings of $52,231 a decade after entry. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Northern Colorado
University Of California Santa Barbara landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of California Santa Barbara is a public school based in Santa Barbara, CA. Students from in state pay about $15,444 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. Graduates carry a median of $16,852 in student loans. University Of California Santa Barbara alumni report median earnings of $74,915 a decade after entry. 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
California State University Long Beach placed #49 among the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools in the United States. Based in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,374 in tuition and fees, 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. California State University Long Beach alumni report median earnings of $64,403 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. About 46% of those who apply are admitted. See the full California State University Long Beach profile
Ohio University Main Campus came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Set in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. The median Drama And Theater Arts program debt is $22,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,581. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. More on Ohio University Main Campus
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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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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