2026 Best Value Acting Schools in the The Plains States Region

1

University Of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA

University Of Northern Iowa tops our 2026 list of the best value acting schools in the The Plains States Region. Located in the city of Cedar Falls, University Of Northern Iowa is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,936, compared with $21,712 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for acting graduates is $24,875. Soon after graduation, acting degree recipients from University Of Northern Iowa generally make around $22,289. That is a strong return on a $24,875 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Lincoln, NE

Students looking for strong value in acting will find it at University Of Nebraska Lincoln, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Lincoln, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete the acting program here. Early-career acting graduates make about $49,755. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants.

3

Lindenwood University
Saint Charles, MO

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Lindenwood University earned it the #3 place for acting. Located in the city of Saint Charles, Lindenwood University is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $21,600. Acting graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, acting degree recipients from Lindenwood University generally make around $25,083. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 57%.

4

Nebraska Wesleyan University
Lincoln, NE

Nebraska Wesleyan University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in acting, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Lincoln, Nebraska Wesleyan University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $43,572. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the acting program here. Acting graduates of Nebraska Wesleyan University earn a median of $23,649 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%.

5

Stephens College
Columbia, MO

Stephens College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value acting schools. Set in the city of Columbia, Stephens College is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $28,300. Acting graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, acting degree recipients from Stephens College generally make around $16,476. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.

6

Webster University
Saint Louis, MO

Webster University came in at #6 for value in acting this year. Webster University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Saint Louis. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,750. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the acting program here. Soon after graduation, acting degree recipients from Webster University generally make around $13,182. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.

7

Drake University
Des Moines, IA

Drake University earned the #7 position for value in acting this year. Located in the city of Des Moines, Drake University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $51,960. Acting graduates carry a median of $22,273 in student loans. Acting graduates of Drake University earn a median of $19,613 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Drake University admits about 64% of applicants.