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.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 4 schools to find the best return on investment for acting students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in acting, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked Lipscomb University the best value for a degree in acting in Tennessee. Set in the city of Nashville, Lipscomb University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $40,572. Students borrow a median of $23,529 to complete the acting program here. Acting graduates of Lipscomb University earn a median of $48,949 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,529 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%.
Visible Music College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in acting, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Memphis, Visible Music College is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $22,000. Typical student debt for acting graduates is $14,000. Soon after graduation, acting degree recipients from Visible Music College generally make around $28,885. Set against $14,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 28%.
Belmont University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value acting schools. Located in the city of Nashville, Belmont University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $42,540. Acting graduates carry a median of $23,447 in student loans. Early-career acting graduates make about $49,699. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Belmont University admits about 95% of applicants.
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This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 4 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.