2026 Best Value Playwriting & Screenwriting Schools in New York

1

Cuny Hunter College
New York, NY

For return on investment in playwriting & screenwriting, no school beat Cuny Hunter College this year. Located in the city of New York, Cuny Hunter College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,382, with out-of-state students paying around $15,332. Playwriting & Screenwriting graduates carry a median of $11,091 in student loans. Soon after graduation, playwriting & screenwriting degree recipients from Cuny Hunter College generally make around $25,059. That is a strong return on a $11,091 median debt. Roughly 54% of applicants are accepted.

2

Suny At Purchase College
Purchase, NY

Suny At Purchase College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value playwriting & screenwriting schools. Set in the suburb of Purchase, Suny At Purchase College is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,016, compared with $19,266 for out-of-state students. Playwriting & Screenwriting graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Playwriting & Screenwriting graduates of Suny At Purchase College earn a median of $18,090 early in their careers. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%.

3

New York University
New York, NY

Students looking for strong value in playwriting & screenwriting will find it at New York University, which ranked #3. New York University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of New York. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,796. Playwriting & Screenwriting graduates carry a median of $21,762 in student loans. Soon after graduation, playwriting & screenwriting degree recipients from New York University generally make around $32,829. That is a strong return on a $21,762 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%.

4

Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY

Students looking for strong value in playwriting & screenwriting will find it at Hofstra University, which ranked #4. Set in the suburb of Hempstead, Hofstra University is a large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $57,660. Playwriting & Screenwriting graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, playwriting & screenwriting degree recipients from Hofstra University generally make around $15,474. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Hofstra University admits about 68% of applicants.

5

Marymount Manhattan College
New York, NY

A rank of #5 makes Marymount Manhattan College one of the best values for playwriting & screenwriting. Marymount Manhattan College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of New York. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,870. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the playwriting & screenwriting program here. Soon after graduation, playwriting & screenwriting degree recipients from Marymount Manhattan College generally make around $19,562. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted.

6

The Juilliard School
New York, NY

The Juilliard School came in at #6 for value in playwriting & screenwriting this year. The Juilliard School is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of New York. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $57,950. Playwriting & Screenwriting graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Early-career playwriting & screenwriting graduates make about $14,160. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%.

7

American Musical And Dramatic Academy
New York, NY

American Musical And Dramatic Academy earned the #7 position for value in playwriting & screenwriting this year. Set in the city of New York, American Musical And Dramatic Academy is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $46,928. Students borrow a median of $17,000 to complete the playwriting & screenwriting program here. Soon after graduation, playwriting & screenwriting degree recipients from American Musical And Dramatic Academy generally make around $16,900. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted.

8

The New School
New York, NY

The New School came in at #8 for value in playwriting & screenwriting this year. Set in the city of New York, The New School is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $58,730. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the playwriting & screenwriting program here. Playwriting & Screenwriting graduates of The New School earn a median of $38,468 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 64%.