2026 Best Value Theater Arts Schools in North Carolina

1

University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts
Winston Salem, NC

For return on investment in theater arts, no school beat University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts this year. Set in the city of Winston Salem, University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts is a small public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,477, compared with $27,211 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,592 to complete the theater arts program here. Soon after graduation, theater arts degree recipients from University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts generally make around $24,420. That is a strong return on a $24,592 median debt. Roughly 30% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
Greensboro, NC

Students looking for strong value in theater arts will find it at University Of North Carolina At Greensboro, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Greensboro, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,661, while out-of-state students pay about $24,012. Students borrow a median of $25,914 to complete the theater arts program here. Early-career theater arts graduates make about $18,154. That is a strong return on a $25,914 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro admits about 88% of applicants.

3

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill earned it the #3 place for theater arts. Set in the city of Chapel Hill, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,994, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. Typical student debt for theater arts graduates is $15,613. Early-career theater arts graduates make about $32,221. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill admits about 15% of applicants.

4

Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC

Western Carolina University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in theater arts, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the town of Cullowhee, Western Carolina University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $4,630 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,630. Theater Arts graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, theater arts degree recipients from Western Carolina University generally make around $21,824. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Carolina University admits about 82% of applicants.

5

University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
Charlotte, NC

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of North Carolina At Charlotte earned it the #5 place for theater arts. Set in the city of Charlotte, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,239, compared with $22,492 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for theater arts graduates is $26,000. Early-career theater arts graduates make about $18,052. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte admits about 80% of applicants.

6

Appalachian State University
Boone, NC

Appalachian State University earned the #6 position for value in theater arts this year. Located in the town of Boone, Appalachian State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,579, while out-of-state students pay about $25,212. Typical student debt for theater arts graduates is $24,755. Early-career theater arts graduates make about $20,256. Set against $24,755 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

7

East Carolina University
Greenville, NC

East Carolina University placed #7 among the best values for theater arts. Set in the city of Greenville, East Carolina University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,361, with out-of-state students paying around $23,638. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the theater arts program here. Soon after graduation, theater arts degree recipients from East Carolina University generally make around $21,295. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. East Carolina University admits about 89% of applicants.

8

University Of North Carolina At Wilmington
Wilmington, NC

University Of North Carolina At Wilmington came in at #8 for value in theater arts this year. Set in the city of Wilmington, University Of North Carolina At Wilmington is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,277, with out-of-state students paying around $24,152. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the theater arts program here. Soon after graduation, theater arts degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Wilmington generally make around $20,450. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted.

9

Elon University
Elon, NC

Elon University landed the #9 spot for theater arts value this year. Set in the suburb of Elon, Elon University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $46,958 in tuition and fees. Theater Arts graduates carry a median of $21,619 in student loans. Theater Arts graduates of Elon University earn a median of $50,463 early in their careers. Set against $21,619 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Elon University admits about 66% of applicants.