by our College Data Analytics Team
[Acting](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/drama-and-theater-arts/acting/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
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.
Lindenwood University tops our 2026 list of the best value acting schools in Missouri. Lindenwood University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Saint Charles. In-state tuition and fees average $21,600. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the acting program here. Acting graduates of Lindenwood University earn a median of $25,083 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 57%.
Stephens College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in acting, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Columbia, Stephens College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $28,300. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the acting program here. Acting graduates of Stephens College earn a median of $16,476 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Stephens College admits about 77% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Webster University earned it the #3 place for acting. Located in the suburb of Saint Louis, Webster University is a large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $31,750 in tuition and fees. Acting graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Early-career acting graduates make about $13,182. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
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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 · 4 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.