2026 Best Value Theater Arts Schools in Arkansas
[Theater Arts](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/drama-and-theater-arts/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.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 12 schools to find the best return on investment for theater arts students.
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2026 Best Value Theater Arts Schools in Arkansas
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in theater arts, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Theater Arts Schools
Our analysis ranked Arkansas State University Main Campus the best value for a degree in theater arts in Arkansas. Located in the city of Jonesboro, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,090, while out-of-state students pay about $14,522. Theater Arts graduates carry a median of $23,399 in student loans. Early-career theater arts graduates make about $48,847. Set against $23,399 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%.
University Of Arkansas came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value theater arts schools. Set in the city of Fayetteville, University Of Arkansas is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $29,966. Students borrow a median of $24,019 to complete the theater arts program here. Theater Arts graduates of University Of Arkansas earn a median of $25,499 early in their careers. Set against $24,019 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.
Ouachita Baptist University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in theater arts, landing the #3 spot this year. Ouachita Baptist University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Arkadelphia. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,500. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the theater arts program here. Theater Arts graduates of Ouachita Baptist University earn a median of $18,350 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%.
More Theater Arts Rankings
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Notes and References
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 12 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
