2026 Best Theater Arts Schools in Massachusetts

1

Emerson College
Boston, MA

Emerson College tops our 2026 ranking of the best theater arts schools. Set in the city of Boston, Emerson College is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 77%. About 48 theater arts degrees were awarded at Emerson College in the most recent year. Theater Arts graduates of Emerson College earn a median of $29,435 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $25,000. Read more about the theater arts program at Emerson College

2

Boston University
Boston, MA

A rank of #2 makes Boston University one of the top schools for theater arts. Located in the city of Boston, Boston University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Boston University graduates 89% of students within six years. There were roughly 20 theater arts students who graduated with this degree at Boston University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, theater arts degree recipients from Boston University generally make around $21,508. Boston University graduates carry a median of $26,958 in student loans. See the full theater arts program report for Boston University

3

University Of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, MA

A rank of #3 makes University Of Massachusetts Amherst one of the top schools for theater arts. Set in the city of Amherst, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a very large public institution. University Of Massachusetts Amherst graduates 83% of students within six years. About 35 theater arts degrees were awarded at University Of Massachusetts Amherst in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, theater arts degree recipients from University Of Massachusetts Amherst generally make around $53,543. Students borrow a median of $25,234 to complete this degree. Read more about the theater arts program at University Of Massachusetts Amherst

4

Suffolk University
Boston, MA

Students looking for a strong theater arts program will find one at Suffolk University, which ranked #4. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Boston. About 61% of students finish within six years. About 20 theater arts degrees were awarded at Suffolk University in the most recent year. Students who receive their theater arts degree from Suffolk University earn around $23,189 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $27,000. More information about a degree in theater arts from Suffolk University

5

University Of Massachusetts Boston
Boston, MA

Students looking for a strong theater arts program will find one at University Of Massachusetts Boston, which ranked #5. This large public university is located in the city of Boston. About 49% of students finish within six years. University Of Massachusetts Boston awarded about 11 theater arts degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, theater arts degree recipients from University Of Massachusetts Boston generally make around $52,885. University Of Massachusetts Boston graduates carry a median of $26,236 in student loans. Read more about the theater arts program at University Of Massachusetts Boston

6

Dean College
Franklin, MA

Dean College came in at #6 for theater arts this year. Located in the suburb of Franklin, Dean College is a small private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 46%. Dean College awarded about 22 theater arts degrees in the most recent data year. Theater Arts graduates of Dean College earn a median of $29,639 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete this degree. See the full theater arts program report for Dean College