by our College Data Analytics Team
[Musical Theater](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/drama-and-theater-arts/musical-theater/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 8 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for musical theater students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in musical theater, balancing cost against outcomes.
Modesto Junior College earned the #1 spot for value among musical theater schools in California. Set in the city of Modesto, Modesto Junior College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,282, with out-of-state students paying around $9,264. Musical Theater graduates carry a median of $8,575 in student loans. Early-career musical theater graduates make about $36,525. That is a strong return on a $8,575 median debt.
University Of California Irvine is a great value for students pursuing a degree in musical theater, landing the #2 spot this year. University Of California Irvine is a very large public school located in the city of Irvine. Students from in state pay about $14,752 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $46,640. Students borrow a median of $17,862 to complete the musical theater program here. Early-career musical theater graduates make about $22,579. Set against $17,862 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 29%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at California State University Chico earned it the #3 place for musical theater. California State University Chico is a large public school located in the city of Chico. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,472, with out-of-state students paying around $21,072. Students borrow a median of $18,591 to complete the musical theater program here. Soon after graduation, musical theater degree recipients from California State University Chico generally make around $45,591. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%.
San Diego State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in musical theater, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of San Diego, San Diego State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,728, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. Typical student debt for musical theater graduates is $15,000. Soon after graduation, musical theater degree recipients from San Diego State University generally make around $20,538. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 36%.
Vanguard University Of Southern California is a great value for students pursuing a degree in musical theater, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Costa Mesa, Vanguard University Of Southern California is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $41,700. Typical student debt for musical theater graduates is $21,111. Musical Theater graduates of Vanguard University Of Southern California earn a median of $80,727 early in their careers. Set against $21,111 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Southern California placed #6 among the best values for musical theater. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,647. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete the musical theater program here. 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. Roughly 10% of applicants are accepted.
New York Film Academy ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value musical theater schools. Located in the city of Burbank, New York Film Academy is a small private for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $37,122. Students borrow a median of $17,167 to complete the musical theater program here. Soon after graduation, musical theater degree recipients from New York Film Academy generally make around $13,813. That is a strong return on a $17,167 median debt.
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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 · 8 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.