by our College Data Analytics Team
[Acting](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/drama-and-theater-arts/acting/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 3 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for acting students.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the acting degrees they offer, see the list below.
For return on investment in acting, no school beat Elon University this year. Located in the suburb of Elon, Elon University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $46,958. Typical student debt for acting graduates is $21,619. Acting graduates of Elon University earn a median of $24,345 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Elon University admits about 66% of applicants.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 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 · 3 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.