2026 Best Theater Arts Schools in Tennessee

1

The University Of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN

Our analysis ranked The University Of Tennessee the best school in the country for a degree in theater arts. Located in the city of Knoxville, The University Of Tennessee is a very large public university. The University Of Tennessee graduates 74% of students within six years. The University Of Tennessee awarded about 14 theater arts degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their theater arts degree from The University Of Tennessee earn around $21,189 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $22,859 to complete this degree. See the full theater arts program report for The University Of Tennessee

2

Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN

Middle Tennessee State University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best theater arts schools. Located in the city of Murfreesboro, Middle Tennessee State University is a very large public university. Roughly 54% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 26 theater arts degrees were awarded at Middle Tennessee State University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, theater arts degree recipients from Middle Tennessee State University generally make around $17,860. Typical student debt for the program is $19,000. Get the full theater arts details for Middle Tennessee State University

3

The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga
Chattanooga, TN

A rank of #3 makes The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga one of the top schools for theater arts. This large public university is located in the city of Chattanooga. About 50% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 13 theater arts students who graduated with this degree at The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga in the most recent data year. Graduates of the theater arts program make about $50,000 in their early career. The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga graduates carry a median of $23,324 in student loans. See the full theater arts program report for The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga

4

East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN

East Tennessee State University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best theater arts schools. This large public university is located in the city of Johnson City. About 53% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 16 theater arts students who graduated with this degree at East Tennessee State University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the theater arts program make about $45,444 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $21,301 to complete this degree. Get the full theater arts details for East Tennessee State University

5

University Of Memphis
Memphis, TN

A rank of #5 makes University Of Memphis one of the top schools for theater arts. This very large public university is located in the city of Memphis. Roughly 51% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of Memphis awarded about 31 theater arts degrees in the most recent data year. Theater Arts graduates of University Of Memphis earn a median of $19,055 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $22,875. See the full theater arts program report for University Of Memphis

6

Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TN

Austin Peay State University earned the #6 position for theater arts this year. Located in the city of Clarksville, Austin Peay State University is a large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 39%. There were roughly 11 theater arts students who graduated with this degree at Austin Peay State University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their theater arts degree from Austin Peay State University earn around $44,360 in the first couple years of their career. Austin Peay State University graduates carry a median of $24,530 in student loans. More information about a degree in theater arts from Austin Peay State University