by our College Data Analytics Team
[Acting](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/drama-and-theater-arts/acting/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 5 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value acting schools.
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.
Regent University earned the #1 spot for value among acting schools in Virginia. Regent University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Virginia Beach. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,650. Acting graduates carry a median of $29,451 in student loans. Acting graduates of Regent University earn a median of $43,319 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $29,451 median debt. Regent University admits about 38% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Liberty University earned it the #2 place for acting. Set in the city of Lynchburg, Liberty University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,173. Acting graduates carry a median of $27,414 in student loans. Early-career acting graduates make about $45,877. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Liberty University admits about 99% of applicants.
A rank of #3 makes Shenandoah University one of the best values for acting. Shenandoah University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Winchester. In-state tuition and fees average $36,950. Typical student debt for acting graduates is $27,000. Early-career acting graduates make about $17,818. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%.
1
2
3
This ranking is produced 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 · 5 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.