2026 Best Value Other Dramatic/Theatre Arts & Stagecraft Schools
[Other Dramatic/Theatre Arts & Stagecraft](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/drama-and-theater-arts/dramatic-theatre-arts-and-stagecraft-other/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft education at a price that pays off.
College Factual analyzed 66 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft schools.
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Finding the Best Value Other Dramatic/Theatre Arts & Stagecraft School for You
The right other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft school can pay off for years to come. To help, we created our Best Value Other Dramatic/Theatre Arts & Stagecraft Schools ranking. We score each school on the balance of tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the best value.
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One Size Does Not Fit All
Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we offer several rankings, including this Best Value Other Dramatic/Theatre Arts & Stagecraft Schools list, to help you choose. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.
Want to compare schools head to head? Try our College Combat tool to weigh the factors that matter most to you.
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2026 Best Value Other Dramatic/Theatre Arts & Stagecraft Schools in the United States
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Other Dramatic/Theatre Arts & Stagecraft Schools
University Of California San Diego earned the #1 spot for value among other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft schools in the United States. University Of California San Diego is a very large public school located in the city of La Jolla. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,788, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. Typical student debt for other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft graduates is $14,650. Other Dramatic/theatre Arts & Stagecraft graduates of University Of California San Diego earn a median of $60,797 early in their careers. Set against $14,650 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 27%.
A rank of #2 makes University Of Washington Seattle Campus one of the best values for other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft. Set in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Other Dramatic/theatre Arts & Stagecraft graduates carry a median of $15,638 in student loans. Soon after graduation, other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft degree recipients from University Of Washington Seattle Campus generally make around $65,681. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Western Kentucky University earned it the #3 place for other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft. Set in the city of Bowling Green, Western Kentucky University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,652, with out-of-state students paying around $27,000. Students borrow a median of $21,821 to complete the other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft program here. Soon after graduation, other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft degree recipients from Western Kentucky University generally make around $22,884. That is a strong return on a $21,821 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%.
A rank of #4 makes Purdue University Main Campus one of the best values for other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft. Set in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Other Dramatic/theatre Arts & Stagecraft graduates carry a median of $19,844 in student loans. Soon after graduation, other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft degree recipients from Purdue University Main Campus generally make around $63,111. That is a strong return on a $19,844 median debt. The acceptance rate is 50%.
University Of Illinois At Chicago is a great value for students pursuing a degree in other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Chicago, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,949, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft graduates is $21,238. Soon after graduation, other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Chicago generally make around $61,829. Set against $21,238 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.
University Of California Davis landed the #6 spot for other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft value this year. Set in the suburb of Davis, University Of California Davis is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,804, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. Students borrow a median of $13,000 to complete the other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft program here. Soon after graduation, other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft degree recipients from University Of California Davis generally make around $19,398. Set against $13,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Davis admits about 42% of applicants.
Indiana University Bloomington came in at #7 for value in other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft this year. Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public school located in the city of Bloomington. In-state tuition and fees average $12,144, while out-of-state students pay about $41,891. Other Dramatic/theatre Arts & Stagecraft graduates carry a median of $22,000 in student loans. Other Dramatic/theatre Arts & Stagecraft graduates of Indiana University Bloomington earn a median of $20,815 early in their careers. Set against $22,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%.
Bossier Parish Community College came in at #8 for value in other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft this year. Bossier Parish Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Bossier City. In-state tuition and fees average $4,268. Other Dramatic/theatre Arts & Stagecraft graduates carry a median of $20,593 in student loans. Soon after graduation, other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft degree recipients from Bossier Parish Community College generally make around $43,661. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
University Of Sacred Heart earned the #9 position for value in other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft this year. Set in the city of Santurce, University Of Sacred Heart is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,410. Typical student debt for other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft graduates is $19,000. Other Dramatic/theatre Arts & Stagecraft graduates of University Of Sacred Heart earn a median of $24,742 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 58%.
Mary Baldwin College came in at #10 for value in other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft this year. Located in the city of Staunton, Mary Baldwin College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,187. Other Dramatic/theatre Arts & Stagecraft graduates carry a median of $29,562 in student loans. Other Dramatic/theatre Arts & Stagecraft graduates of Mary Baldwin College earn a median of $60,386 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $29,562 median debt.
Lindenwood University placed #11 among the best values for other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft. Located in the city of Saint Charles, Lindenwood University is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,600. Other Dramatic/theatre Arts & Stagecraft graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft graduates make about $25,083. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted.
Western Michigan University landed the #12 spot for other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft value this year. Set in the city of Kalamazoo, Western Michigan University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,987, compared with $19,952 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft graduates is $26,950. Other Dramatic/theatre Arts & Stagecraft graduates of Western Michigan University earn a median of $21,585 early in their careers. Set against $26,950 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.
University At Buffalo landed the #13 spot for other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft value this year. Set in the suburb of Buffalo, University At Buffalo is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,936, compared with $31,536 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft graduates is $26,637. Other Dramatic/theatre Arts & Stagecraft graduates of University At Buffalo earn a median of $52,403 early in their careers. Set against $26,637 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University At Buffalo admits about 74% of applicants.
University Of Evansville earned the #14 position for value in other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft this year. Set in the city of Evansville, University Of Evansville is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $44,172 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft graduates is $23,727. Other Dramatic/theatre Arts & Stagecraft graduates of University Of Evansville earn a median of $23,407 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,727 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Connecticut earned the #15 position for value in other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft this year. Set in the town of Storrs, University Of Connecticut is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $21,044, compared with $43,712 for out-of-state students. Other Dramatic/theatre Arts & Stagecraft graduates carry a median of $25,414 in student loans. Early-career other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft graduates make about $18,002. That is a strong return on a $25,414 median debt. The acceptance rate is 52%.
Northwestern University landed the #16 spot for other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft value this year. Set in the city of Evanston, Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,322. Students borrow a median of $17,000 to complete the other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft program here. Other Dramatic/theatre Arts & Stagecraft graduates of Northwestern University earn a median of $78,551 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,000 median debt. Roughly 8% of applicants are accepted.
Long Island University C W Post Campus earned the #17 position for value in other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft this year. Set in the suburb of Brookville, Long Island University C W Post Campus is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $42,432. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft program here. Early-career other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft graduates make about $61,547. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
Stephens College landed the #18 spot for other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft value this year. 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. Typical student debt for other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft degree recipients from Stephens College generally make around $55,458. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.
Webster University came in at #19 for value in other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft this year. Webster University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Saint Louis. In-state tuition and fees average $31,750. Other Dramatic/theatre Arts & Stagecraft graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Other Dramatic/theatre Arts & Stagecraft graduates of Webster University earn a median of $13,182 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.
Columbia College Chicago came in at #20 for value in other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft this year. Located in the city of Chicago, Columbia College Chicago is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,088. Typical student debt for other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft graduates is $26,977. Early-career other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft graduates make about $17,929. That is a strong return on a $26,977 median debt. Columbia College Chicago admits about 90% of applicants.
Temple University placed #21 among the best values for other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft. Temple University is a very large public school located in the city of Philadelphia. Students from in state pay about $23,005 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,805. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft program here. Soon after graduation, other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft degree recipients from Temple University generally make around $54,642. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.
Drake University came in at #22 for value in other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft this year. Set in the city of Des Moines, Drake University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,960. Other Dramatic/theatre Arts & Stagecraft graduates carry a median of $22,273 in student loans. Early-career other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft graduates make about $19,613. Set against $22,273 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted.
Carnegie Mellon University placed #23 among the best values for other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft. Located in the city of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $65,636. Typical student debt for other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft graduates is $25,000. Early-career other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft graduates make about $27,391. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 12%.
University Of Southern California ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best value other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft schools. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $71,647 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft graduates is $12,000. Other Dramatic/theatre Arts & Stagecraft graduates of University Of Southern California earn a median of $21,619 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. Roughly 10% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Miami earned the #25 position for value in other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft this year. University Of Miami is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Coral Gables. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,616. Other Dramatic/theatre Arts & Stagecraft graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft degree recipients from University Of Miami generally make around $16,561. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 19%.
Rest of the Top 34 Best Value Other Dramatic/Theatre Arts & Stagecraft Schools
These schools also delivered strong value for other dramatic/theatre arts & stagecraft this year:
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced 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 · 66 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 18 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
