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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Drama & Theater Arts Schools in Massachusetts

8 Colleges in the United States
$26,451 Avg Student Debt
$59,936 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Drama & Theater Arts Badge [Drama & Theater Arts](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/drama-and-theater-arts/) 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 43 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for drama & theater arts students.

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2026 Best Value Drama & Theater Arts Schools in Massachusetts

If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the drama & theater arts degrees they offer, see the list below.

Best Value Drama & Theater Arts Schools

1

University Of Massachusetts Boston tops our 2026 list of the best value drama & theater arts schools in Massachusetts. University Of Massachusetts Boston is a large public school located in the city of Boston. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,898, compared with $38,115 for out-of-state students. Drama & Theater Arts graduates carry a median of $26,236 in student loans. Early-career drama & theater arts graduates make about $52,885. That is a strong return on a $26,236 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%.

2

A rank of #2 makes Salem State University one of the best values for drama & theater arts. Set in the suburb of Salem, Salem State University is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,338, while out-of-state students pay about $19,531. Typical student debt for drama & theater arts graduates is $27,176. Early-career drama & theater arts graduates make about $49,656. That is a strong return on a $27,176 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%.

3

A rank of #3 makes University Of Massachusetts Amherst one of the best values for drama & theater arts. Located in the city of Amherst, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,772, with out-of-state students paying around $40,449. Drama & Theater Arts graduates carry a median of $25,234 in student loans. Soon after graduation, drama & theater arts degree recipients from University Of Massachusetts Amherst generally make around $53,543. Set against $25,234 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 60%.

4
Boston University crest
Boston University
Boston, MA

Boston University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in drama & theater arts, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Boston, Boston University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,102. Typical student debt for drama & theater arts graduates is $26,958. Soon after graduation, drama & theater arts degree recipients from Boston University generally make around $21,508. Set against $26,958 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted.

5

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Suffolk University earned it the #5 place for drama & theater arts. Suffolk University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Boston. Students from in state pay about $47,550 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for drama & theater arts graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, drama & theater arts degree recipients from Suffolk University generally make around $23,189. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Suffolk University admits about 82% of applicants.

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6
Dean College crest
Dean College
Franklin, MA

Dean College earned the #6 position for value in drama & theater arts this year. Set in the suburb of Franklin, Dean College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $46,526 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the drama & theater arts program here. Drama & Theater Arts graduates of Dean College earn a median of $29,639 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.

7
Emerson College crest
Emerson College
Boston, MA

Emerson College placed #7 among the best values for drama & theater arts. Located in the city of Boston, Emerson College is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $57,056 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for drama & theater arts graduates is $25,000. Early-career drama & theater arts graduates make about $29,435. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 51%.

8

Berklee College Of Music landed the #8 spot for drama & theater arts value this year. Located in the city of Boston, Berklee College Of Music is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,040. Drama & Theater Arts graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, drama & theater arts degree recipients from Berklee College Of Music generally make around $26,374. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 44% of applicants are accepted.

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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 · 43 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 8 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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