by our College Data Analytics Team
[Musical Theater](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/drama-and-theater-arts/musical-theater/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 5 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for musical theater students.
What’s on this page:
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the musical theater degrees they offer, see the list below.
Weber State University earned the #1 spot for value among musical theater schools in the Rocky Mountains Region. Weber State University is a very large public school located in the city of Ogden. In-state tuition and fees average $6,557, compared with $17,545 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,176 to complete the musical theater program here. Early-career musical theater graduates make about $53,920. Set against $19,176 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Southern Utah University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value musical theater schools. Located in the town of Cedar City, Southern Utah University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,962, while out-of-state students pay about $21,192. Students borrow a median of $19,284 to complete the musical theater program here. Early-career musical theater graduates make about $27,335. Set against $19,284 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Utah University admits about 82% of applicants.
University Of Northern Colorado came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value musical theater schools. Set in the city of Greeley, University Of Northern Colorado is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,901, with out-of-state students paying around $26,979. Students borrow a median of $24,000 to complete the musical theater program here. Soon after graduation, musical theater degree recipients from University Of Northern Colorado generally make around $42,124. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Northern Colorado admits about 86% of applicants.
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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 · 5 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
