2026 Best Value Theater Arts Schools in Alabama

1

Alabama State University
Montgomery, AL

For return on investment in theater arts, no school beat Alabama State University this year. Set in the city of Montgomery, Alabama State University is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,248, while out-of-state students pay about $19,576. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete the theater arts program here. Theater Arts graduates of Alabama State University earn a median of $17,997 early in their careers. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%.

2

University Of Alabama At Birmingham
Birmingham, AL

University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a great value for students pursuing a degree in theater arts, landing the #2 spot this year. University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a very large public school located in the city of Birmingham. Students from in state pay about $9,098 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,562. Theater Arts graduates carry a median of $25,250 in student loans. Theater Arts graduates of University Of Alabama At Birmingham earn a median of $26,670 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%.

3

University Of Montevallo
Montevallo, AL

Students looking for strong value in theater arts will find it at University Of Montevallo, which ranked #3. Set in the town of Montevallo, University Of Montevallo is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,948, with out-of-state students paying around $26,968. Theater Arts graduates carry a median of $25,096 in student loans. Soon after graduation, theater arts degree recipients from University Of Montevallo generally make around $36,673. Set against $25,096 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 54%.

4

The University Of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at The University Of Alabama earned it the #4 place for theater arts. Set in the city of Tuscaloosa, The University Of Alabama is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,180, compared with $34,172 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,750 to complete the theater arts program here. Early-career theater arts graduates make about $19,543. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%.

5

Auburn University
Auburn, AL

Auburn University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value theater arts schools. Set in the city of Auburn, Auburn University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,890, while out-of-state students pay about $34,922. Theater Arts graduates carry a median of $23,141 in student loans. Early-career theater arts graduates make about $20,899. Set against $23,141 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 46%.

6

Samford University
Birmingham, AL

Samford University came in at #6 for value in theater arts this year. Set in the suburb of Birmingham, Samford University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,150. Students borrow a median of $21,039 to complete the theater arts program here. Soon after graduation, theater arts degree recipients from Samford University generally make around $64,132. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%.