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2026 Best Value Theater Arts Schools in Massachusetts

7 Colleges in the United States
$26,372 Avg Student Debt
$63,692 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Theater Arts Badge [Theater Arts](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/drama-and-theater-arts/theater-arts/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

College Factual analyzed 37 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value theater arts schools.

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2026 Best Value Theater Arts Schools in Massachusetts

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in theater arts, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Theater Arts Schools

1

Our analysis ranked University Of Massachusetts Boston the best value for a degree in theater arts in Massachusetts. University Of Massachusetts Boston is a large public school located in the city of Boston. In-state tuition and fees average $15,898, with out-of-state students paying around $38,115. Students borrow a median of $26,236 to complete the theater arts program here. Theater Arts graduates of University Of Massachusetts Boston earn a median of $52,885 early in their careers. Set against $26,236 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.

2

Students looking for strong value in theater arts will find it at Salem State University, which ranked #2. Salem State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Salem. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,338, compared with $19,531 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for theater arts graduates is $27,176. Early-career theater arts graduates make about $49,656. Set against $27,176 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%.

3

A rank of #3 makes University Of Massachusetts Amherst one of the best values for theater arts. Set in the city of Amherst, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,772, while out-of-state students pay about $40,449. Typical student debt for theater arts graduates is $25,234. Soon after graduation, 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. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted.

4
Boston University crest
Boston University
Boston, MA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Boston University earned it the #4 place for theater arts. Located in the city of Boston, Boston University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $68,102 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for theater arts graduates is $26,958. Early-career theater arts graduates make about $21,508. That is a strong return on a $26,958 median debt. Boston University admits about 11% of applicants.

5

Students looking for strong value in theater arts will find it at Suffolk University, which ranked #5. Set in the city of Boston, Suffolk University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $47,550. Typical student debt for theater arts graduates is $27,000. Theater Arts graduates of Suffolk University earn a median of $23,189 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Suffolk University admits about 82% of applicants.

6
Dean College crest
Dean College
Franklin, MA

Dean College came in at #6 for value in theater arts this year. Dean College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Franklin. In-state tuition and fees average $46,526. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the theater arts program here. Early-career theater arts graduates make about $29,639. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%.

7
Emerson College crest
Emerson College
Boston, MA

Emerson College landed the #7 spot for theater arts value this year. Set in the city of Boston, Emerson College is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $57,056 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the theater arts program here. Theater Arts graduates of Emerson College earn a median of $29,435 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 51%.

View All Theater Arts Rankings >

Notes and References

The ranking above is published 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 · 37 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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