2026 Best Acting Schools in the Southeast Region

1

Belmont University
Nashville, TN

Belmont University is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in acting. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Nashville. The six-year graduation rate is 70%. There were roughly 17 acting students who graduated with this degree at Belmont University in the most recent data year. Acting graduates of Belmont University earn a median of $49,699 early in their careers. Belmont University graduates carry a median of $23,447 in student loans. Read more about the acting program at Belmont University

2

Elon University
Elon, NC

Students looking for a strong acting program will find one at Elon University, which ranked #2. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Elon. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. About 11 acting degrees were awarded at Elon University in the most recent year. Students who receive their acting degree from Elon University earn around $24,345 in the first couple years of their career. Elon University graduates carry a median of $21,619 in student loans. Read more about the acting program at Elon University

3

University Of Miami
Coral Gables, FL

University Of Miami is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in acting, ranking #3. Located in the suburb of Coral Gables, University Of Miami is a very large private not-for-profit university. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of Miami awarded about 13 acting degrees in the most recent data year. Acting graduates of University Of Miami earn a median of $16,561 early in their careers. University Of Miami graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. See the full acting program report for University Of Miami

4

Mississippi University For Women
Columbus, MS

Students looking for a strong acting program will find one at Mississippi University For Women, which ranked #4. Set in the town of Columbus, Mississippi University For Women is a mid-sized public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 47%. There were roughly 12 acting students who graduated with this degree at Mississippi University For Women in the most recent data year. Graduates of the acting program make about $42,756 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $24,509. Get the full acting details for Mississippi University For Women

5

Shenandoah University
Winchester, VA

A rank of #5 makes Shenandoah University one of the top schools for acting. Set in the city of Winchester, Shenandoah University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 66% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 12 acting students who graduated with this degree at Shenandoah University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their acting degree from Shenandoah University earn around $17,818 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $27,000. More information about a degree in acting from Shenandoah University

6

Visible Music College
Memphis, TN

Visible Music College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best acting schools. Set in the city of Memphis, Visible Music College is a small private not-for-profit institution. About 12% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 12 acting students who graduated with this degree at Visible Music College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the acting program make about $28,885 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $14,000 to complete this degree. Read more about the acting program at Visible Music College