2026 Best Value Drama And Theater Arts Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Drama And Theater Arts associate’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1121 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor reviewed schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Drama And Theater Arts Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Brigham Young University Idaho tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts associate's degree schools in the United States. Set in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,800. Graduates carry a median of $13,287 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,406. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Idaho admits about 96% of applicants. More on Brigham Young University Idaho
A rank of #2 makes Cuny Laguardia Community College one of the best values in the United States. Based in Long Island City, NY, Cuny Laguardia Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,218, with out-of-state students paying around $8,098. The median Drama And Theater Arts program debt is $8,858. Cuny Laguardia Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,653 a decade after entry. Set against $8,858 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Cuny Laguardia Community College
Out of the 1121 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Kd College Conservatory Of Film And Dramatic Arts landed the #3 spot. Kd College Conservatory Of Film And Dramatic Arts is a private for-profit school based in Dallas, TX. Students from in state pay about $20,521 in tuition and fees. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $17,316. Kd College Conservatory Of Film And Dramatic Arts alumni report median earnings of $30,187 a decade after entry. Set against $17,316 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%. Read the full report on Kd College Conservatory Of Film And Dramatic Arts
Out of the 1121 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, John Tyler Community College landed the #4 spot. Located in Chester, VA, John Tyler Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,082, while out-of-state students pay about $11,520. Students borrow a median of $11,262 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,223 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on John Tyler Community College
Out of the 1121 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Finger Lakes Community College landed the #5 spot. Based in Canandaigua, NY, Finger Lakes Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,258 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,442. The median Drama And Theater Arts program debt is $16,736. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,054. That is a strong return on a $16,736 median debt. More on Finger Lakes Community College
Minneapolis Community And Technical College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Minneapolis Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,161. The median Drama And Theater Arts program debt is $24,036. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,086 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,036 median debt. See the full Minneapolis Community And Technical College profile
Sinclair Community College landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Dayton, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,675, while out-of-state students pay about $8,556. The median Drama And Theater Arts program debt is $12,525. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,558. That is a strong return on a $12,525 median debt. See the full Sinclair Community College profile
Scottsdale Community College landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Scottsdale Community College is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Students borrow a median of $13,084 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,905. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Scottsdale Community College
Valencia College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools. Set in Orlando, FL, Valencia College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,664, compared with $9,576 for out-of-state students. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $14,413. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,594. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Valencia College profile
Austin Community College District landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Austin, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,550 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,590. Graduates carry a median of $14,519 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,177 ten years after entry. Set against $14,519 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Austin Community College District profile
Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. This public school is set in Harrisburg, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $6,975, with out-of-state students paying around $12,472. The median Drama And Theater Arts program debt is $20,867. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,007. That is a strong return on a $20,867 median debt. See the full Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg profile
Salt Lake Community College came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, Salt Lake Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,426, while out-of-state students pay about $14,244. The median Drama And Theater Arts program debt is $10,855. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,867. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Salt Lake Community College
College Of Southern Nevada landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. College Of Southern Nevada is a public school based in Las Vegas, NV. In-state tuition and fees average $4,358, while out-of-state students pay about $13,024. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $9,980. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,087 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,980 median debt. Get the full College Of Southern Nevada report
Northampton County Area Community College came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Bethlehem, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,550, compared with $15,270 for out-of-state students. Northampton County Area Community College Drama And Theater Arts students take on a median of $18,900 in debt. Median earnings reach $41,566 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Northampton County Area Community College
Weber State University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Based in Ogden, UT, Weber State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,557, compared with $17,545 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,176 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,287. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Weber State University
New York Conservatory For Dramatic Arts placed #16 among the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in New York, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,550. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $26,921. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. New York Conservatory For Dramatic Arts has an acceptance rate of 43%. See the full New York Conservatory For Dramatic Arts profile
Monroe Community College landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Monroe Community College is a public school based in Rochester, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,006, while out-of-state students pay about $11,056. The median Drama And Theater Arts program debt is $12,921. Monroe Community College alumni report median earnings of $40,174 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Monroe Community College
Cuny Queensborough Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Located in Bayside, NY, Cuny Queensborough Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,210, with out-of-state students paying around $8,090. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $10,052. Cuny Queensborough Community College alumni report median earnings of $44,214 a decade after entry. Set against $10,052 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Cuny Queensborough Community College
San Diego Mesa College offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. San Diego Mesa College is a public school based in San Diego, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,146, while out-of-state students pay about $10,002. The median Drama And Theater Arts program debt is $6,999. San Diego Mesa College alumni report median earnings of $45,120 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $6,999 median debt. Get the full San Diego Mesa College report
American Musical And Dramatic Academy ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools. Based in New York, NY, American Musical And Dramatic Academy is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $46,928 in tuition and fees. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $17,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $26,975. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. American Musical And Dramatic Academy admits about 24% of applicants. More on American Musical And Dramatic Academy
Utah Valley University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools. Located in Orem, UT, Utah Valley University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,507, while out-of-state students pay about $18,489. The median Drama And Theater Arts program debt is $16,510. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,486 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,510 median debt. Read more about Utah Valley University
Suffolk County Community College placed #22 among the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools in the United States. Set in Selden, NY, Suffolk County Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,630, while out-of-state students pay about $12,460. Suffolk County Community College Drama And Theater Arts students take on a median of $11,246 in debt. Suffolk County Community College alumni report median earnings of $49,907 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,246 median debt. Read more about Suffolk County Community College
Nassau Community College came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Nassau Community College is a public school based in Garden City, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,330, compared with $12,130 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,850 in student loans. Nassau Community College alumni report median earnings of $48,248 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,850 median debt. Get the full Nassau Community College report
Niagara County Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Located in Sanborn, NY, Niagara County Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,894, while out-of-state students pay about $12,030. Graduates carry a median of $13,970 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,285. Set against $13,970 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Niagara County Community College profile
Academy Of Art University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Academy Of Art University is a private for-profit school based in San Francisco, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $30,736. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,008. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Academy Of Art University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Drama And Theater Arts Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Oklahoma City Community College came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Oklahoma City, OK. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,059, compared with $9,810 for out-of-state students. Oklahoma City Community College Drama And Theater Arts students take on a median of $13,919 in debt. Median earnings reach $38,146 ten years out. Set against $13,919 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Oklahoma City Community College profile
Full Sail University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Based in Winter Park, FL, Full Sail University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $26,906. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $20,500. Full Sail University alumni report median earnings of $38,219 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. See the full Full Sail University profile
American Academy Of Dramatic Arts New York came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. American Academy Of Dramatic Arts New York is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,650. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $14,585. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $27,019. That is a strong return on a $14,585 median debt. American Academy Of Dramatic Arts New York has an acceptance rate of 92%. Read the full report on American Academy Of Dramatic Arts New York
Fidm Fashion Institute Of Design And Merchandising Los Angeles came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Fidm Fashion Institute Of Design And Merchandising Los Angeles is a private for-profit school based in Los Angeles, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,000. Fidm Fashion Institute Of Design And Merchandising Los Angeles Drama And Theater Arts students take on a median of $20,498 in debt. Median earnings reach $49,840 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,498 median debt. See the full Fidm Fashion Institute Of Design And Merchandising Los Angeles profile
American Academy Of Dramatic Arts Los Angeles came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Set in Los Angeles, CA, American Academy Of Dramatic Arts Los Angeles is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $40,650 in tuition and fees. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $14,585. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $27,019. Set against $14,585 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on American Academy Of Dramatic Arts Los Angeles
San Antonio College ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools. This public school is set in San Antonio, TX. Students from in state pay about $3,412 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,952. San Antonio College Drama And Theater Arts students take on a median of $11,839 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,711. That is a strong return on a $11,839 median debt. See the full San Antonio College profile
Central New Mexico Community College landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Albuquerque, NM, Central New Mexico Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,060 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,684. Graduates carry a median of $10,112 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,869. Set against $10,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Central New Mexico Community College
Dean College offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Located in Franklin, MA, Dean College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $46,526. Dean College Drama And Theater Arts students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,109 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. More on Dean College
New York Film Academy ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools. Set in Burbank, CA, New York Film Academy is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,122. Students borrow a median of $17,167 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. New York Film Academy alumni report median earnings of $29,633 a decade after entry. Set against $17,167 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full New York Film Academy profile
Bluefield College placed #35 among the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools in the United States. Read more about Bluefield College
Dickinson State University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. See the full Dickinson State University profile
Mendocino College landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Mendocino College
Michigan State University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Read the full report on Michigan State University
University Of Hawaii At Manoa landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about University Of Hawaii At Manoa
University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #40 among the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools in the United States. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison
Albright College
Albright College landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Albright College profile
Catawba College
Catawba College landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Catawba College profile
Covenant College
Covenant College came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. More on Covenant College
Suny College At Cortland offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. More on Suny College At Cortland
University Of Connecticut ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools. Get the full University Of Connecticut report
University Of South Carolina Upstate ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools. Read more about University Of South Carolina Upstate
Angelo State University placed #47 among the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools in the United States. Read the full report on Angelo State University
California State University Chico came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on California State University Chico
Henderson State University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Read more about Henderson State University
Northwestern College Iowa ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools. Get the full Northwestern College Iowa report
Related Drama And Theater Arts Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Drama And Theater Arts Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Drama And Theater Arts Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Drama And Theater Arts Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Drama And Theater Arts Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Drama And Theater Arts Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Drama And Theater Arts Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Drama And Theater Arts Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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 · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 1121 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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