2026 Best Value Theater Arts Schools in New Jersey

1

Kean University
Union, NJ

Leading the list is Kean University, our #1 best value for theater arts in New Jersey. Kean University is a large public school located in the suburb of Union. Students from in state pay about $14,299 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,446. Typical student debt for theater arts graduates is $27,000. Early-career theater arts graduates make about $48,705. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.

2

Montclair State University
Montclair, NJ

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Montclair State University earned it the #2 place for theater arts. Set in the suburb of Montclair, Montclair State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. Students borrow a median of $25,022 to complete the theater arts program here. Theater Arts graduates of Montclair State University earn a median of $18,474 early in their careers. Set against $25,022 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%.

3

Ramapo College Of New Jersey
Mahwah, NJ

Students looking for strong value in theater arts will find it at Ramapo College Of New Jersey, which ranked #3. Ramapo College Of New Jersey is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Mahwah. Students from in state pay about $16,777 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,708 for out-of-state students. Theater Arts graduates carry a median of $20,620 in student loans. Soon after graduation, theater arts degree recipients from Ramapo College Of New Jersey generally make around $15,372. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ramapo College Of New Jersey admits about 71% of applicants.

4

Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ

Rowan University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in theater arts, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Glassboro, Rowan University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,574, while out-of-state students pay about $26,932. Theater Arts graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Theater Arts graduates of Rowan University earn a median of $18,558 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Rowan University admits about 78% of applicants.

5

Rutgers University New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Rutgers University New Brunswick earned it the #5 place for theater arts. Rutgers University New Brunswick is a very large public school located in the city of New Brunswick. In-state tuition and fees average $17,929, with out-of-state students paying around $37,441. Typical student debt for theater arts graduates is $23,000. Soon after graduation, theater arts degree recipients from Rutgers University New Brunswick generally make around $24,770. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Rutgers University New Brunswick admits about 58% of applicants.

6

Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham
Madison, NJ

Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value theater arts schools. Set in the suburb of Madison, Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,468. Theater Arts graduates carry a median of $25,139 in student loans. Soon after graduation, theater arts degree recipients from Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham generally make around $16,666. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.

7

Drew University
Madison, NJ

Drew University came in at #7 for value in theater arts this year. Set in the suburb of Madison, Drew University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $47,100. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the theater arts program here. Early-career theater arts graduates make about $13,710. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%.