2026 Best Value Musical Theater Schools in the Far Western Region

1

Modesto Junior College
Modesto, CA

Modesto Junior College earned the #1 spot for value among musical theater schools in the Far Western Region. Set in the city of Modesto, Modesto Junior College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,282, compared with $9,264 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,575 to complete the musical theater program here. Musical Theater graduates of Modesto Junior College earn a median of $36,525 early in their careers. Set against $8,575 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

University Of California Irvine
Irvine, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of California Irvine earned it the #2 place for musical theater. Located in the city of Irvine, University Of California Irvine is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,752, with out-of-state students paying around $46,640. Typical student debt for musical theater graduates is $17,862. Soon after graduation, musical theater degree recipients from University Of California Irvine generally make around $22,579. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Irvine admits about 29% of applicants.

3

Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA

Central Washington University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in musical theater, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the town of Ellensburg, Central Washington University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,417 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,526. Typical student debt for musical theater graduates is $24,752. Soon after graduation, musical theater degree recipients from Central Washington University generally make around $24,674. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.

4

California State University Chico
Chico, CA

Students looking for strong value in musical theater will find it at California State University Chico, which ranked #4. California State University Chico is a large public school located in the city of Chico. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,472, while out-of-state students pay about $21,072. Typical student debt for musical theater graduates is $18,591. Soon after graduation, musical theater degree recipients from California State University Chico generally make around $45,591. That is a strong return on a $18,591 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.

5

San Diego State University
San Diego, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at San Diego State University earned it the #5 place for musical theater. Located in the city of San Diego, San Diego State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. Typical student debt for musical theater graduates is $15,000. Early-career musical theater graduates make about $20,538. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. San Diego State University admits about 36% of applicants.

6

Vanguard University Of Southern California
Costa Mesa, CA

Vanguard University Of Southern California earned the #6 position for value in musical theater this year. Vanguard University Of Southern California is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Costa Mesa. In-state tuition and fees average $41,700. Musical Theater graduates carry a median of $21,111 in student loans. Soon after graduation, musical theater degree recipients from Vanguard University Of Southern California generally make around $80,727. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 62%.

7

University Of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA

University Of Southern California came in at #7 for value in musical theater this year. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $71,647. Typical student debt for musical theater graduates is $12,000. Soon after graduation, musical theater degree recipients from University Of Southern California generally make around $21,619. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Southern California admits about 10% of applicants.

8

Cornish College Of The Arts
Seattle, WA

Cornish College Of The Arts placed #8 among the best values for musical theater. Set in the city of Seattle, Cornish College Of The Arts is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,684. Musical Theater graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, musical theater degree recipients from Cornish College Of The Arts generally make around $19,045. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 62%.

9

New York Film Academy
Burbank, CA

New York Film Academy earned the #9 position for value in musical theater this year. Set in the city of Burbank, New York Film Academy is a small private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,122. Musical Theater graduates carry a median of $17,167 in student loans. Musical Theater graduates of New York Film Academy earn a median of $13,813 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,167 median debt.