2026 Best Theater Arts Schools in Virginia

1

James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA

James Madison University is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in theater arts. Set in the city of Harrisonburg, James Madison University is a very large public institution. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. James Madison University awarded about 52 theater arts degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the theater arts program make about $24,306 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $18,500 to complete this degree. Get the full theater arts details for James Madison University

2

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Blacksburg, VA

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in theater arts, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Blacksburg, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. About 26 theater arts degrees were awarded at Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, theater arts degree recipients from Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University generally make around $36,557. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University graduates carry a median of $24,637 in student loans. Get the full theater arts details for Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

3

Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA

Virginia Commonwealth University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best theater arts schools. Located in the city of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University is a very large public university. Virginia Commonwealth University graduates 63% of students within six years. There were roughly 64 theater arts students who graduated with this degree at Virginia Commonwealth University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the theater arts program make about $22,447 in their early career. Virginia Commonwealth University graduates carry a median of $21,875 in student loans. Get the full theater arts details for Virginia Commonwealth University

4

George Mason University
Fairfax, VA

George Mason University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best theater arts schools. Set in the suburb of Fairfax, George Mason University is a very large public institution. About 68% of students finish within six years. George Mason University awarded about 33 theater arts degrees in the most recent data year. Theater Arts graduates of George Mason University earn a median of $22,984 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete this degree. See the full theater arts program report for George Mason University

5

Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA

Regent University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in theater arts, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Virginia Beach, Regent University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Regent University graduates 58% of students within six years. There were roughly 25 theater arts students who graduated with this degree at Regent University in the most recent data year. Theater Arts graduates of Regent University earn a median of $43,319 early in their careers. Regent University graduates carry a median of $29,451 in student loans. See the full theater arts program report for Regent University

6

Norfolk State University
Norfolk, VA

Norfolk State University came in at #6 for theater arts this year. Located in the city of Norfolk, Norfolk State University is a moderately-sized public university. The six-year graduation rate is 39%. About 23 theater arts degrees were awarded at Norfolk State University in the most recent year. Students who receive their theater arts degree from Norfolk State University earn around $54,971 in the first couple years of their career. Read more about the theater arts program at Norfolk State University

7

Mary Baldwin College
Staunton, VA

Mary Baldwin College placed #7 among the best theater arts schools. Located in the city of Staunton, Mary Baldwin College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Roughly 39% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 25 theater arts students who graduated with this degree at Mary Baldwin College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their theater arts degree from Mary Baldwin College earn around $60,386 in the first couple years of their career. Mary Baldwin College graduates carry a median of $29,562 in student loans. Read more about the theater arts program at Mary Baldwin College