2026 Best Value Theater Arts Schools in Ohio

1

Ohio State University Main Campus
Columbus, OH

For return on investment in theater arts, no school beat Ohio State University Main Campus this year. Set in the city of Columbus, Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,244 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. Theater Arts graduates carry a median of $25,250 in student loans. Soon after graduation, theater arts degree recipients from Ohio State University Main Campus generally make around $23,920. Set against $25,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 61%.

2

Wright State University Main Campus
Dayton, OH

A rank of #2 makes Wright State University Main Campus one of the best values for theater arts. Set in the suburb of Dayton, Wright State University Main Campus is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,991, while out-of-state students pay about $20,691. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the theater arts program here. Soon after graduation, theater arts degree recipients from Wright State University Main Campus generally make around $49,077. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

3

Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OH

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Cleveland State University earned it the #3 place for theater arts. Set in the city of Cleveland, Cleveland State University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,982, compared with $18,502 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,250 to complete the theater arts program here. Soon after graduation, theater arts degree recipients from Cleveland State University generally make around $49,648. That is a strong return on a $26,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%.

4

Kent State University At Kent
Kent, OH

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Kent State University At Kent earned it the #4 place for theater arts. Located in the suburb of Kent, Kent State University At Kent is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $12,220 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,575 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for theater arts graduates is $26,000. Theater Arts graduates of Kent State University At Kent earn a median of $24,565 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.

5

Ohio University Main Campus
Athens, OH

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Ohio University Main Campus earned it the #5 place for theater arts. Set in the town of Athens, Ohio University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,158 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. Theater Arts graduates carry a median of $22,750 in student loans. Soon after graduation, theater arts degree recipients from Ohio University Main Campus generally make around $19,286. Set against $22,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.

6

Bowling Green State University Main Campus
Bowling Green, OH

Bowling Green State University Main Campus came in at #6 for value in theater arts this year. Located in the town of Bowling Green, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,912, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for theater arts graduates is $25,250. Early-career theater arts graduates make about $21,900. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bowling Green State University Main Campus admits about 81% of applicants.

7

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Cincinnati, OH

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus came in at #7 for value in theater arts this year. Located in the city of Cincinnati, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $13,363 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,697. Typical student debt for theater arts graduates is $25,980. Theater Arts graduates of University Of Cincinnati Main Campus earn a median of $25,070 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants.

8

Miami University Oxford
Oxford, OH

Miami University Oxford landed the #8 spot for theater arts value this year. Located in the town of Oxford, Miami University Oxford is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,519, compared with $38,965 for out-of-state students. Theater Arts graduates carry a median of $24,177 in student loans. Early-career theater arts graduates make about $22,434. Set against $24,177 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%.

9

Ohio Northern University
Ada, OH

Ohio Northern University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value theater arts schools. Located in the town of Ada, Ohio Northern University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $39,600 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the theater arts program here. Soon after graduation, theater arts degree recipients from Ohio Northern University generally make around $19,167. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.

10

Xavier University
Cincinnati, OH

Xavier University landed the #10 spot for theater arts value this year. Set in the city of Cincinnati, Xavier University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,425. Theater Arts graduates carry a median of $26,614 in student loans. Early-career theater arts graduates make about $55,045. That is a strong return on a $26,614 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

11

Oberlin College
Oberlin, OH

Oberlin College came in at #11 for value in theater arts this year. Oberlin College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Oberlin. Students from in state pay about $67,366 in tuition and fees. Theater Arts graduates carry a median of $24,759 in student loans. Early-career theater arts graduates make about $12,441. That is a strong return on a $24,759 median debt. The acceptance rate is 34%.