2026 Best Value Drama And Theater Arts Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Drama And Theater Arts master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 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 evaluated 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Columbia College Chicago earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Set in Chicago, IL, Columbia College Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,088. Graduates carry a median of $26,977 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,195. Set against $26,977 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Columbia College Chicago has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on Columbia College Chicago
Out of the 1121 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Lindenwood University landed the #2 spot. Located in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,600. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,278 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 57%. Read the full report on Lindenwood University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Minnesota State University Mankato earned it the #3 place in the United States. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,853 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. Set against $24,853 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
A rank of #4 makes Mount St Marys College one of the best values in the United States. Based in Los Angeles, CA, Mount St Marys College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $49,564 in tuition and fees. The median Drama And Theater Arts program debt is $27,555. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,379. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Mount St Marys College
Stephens College came in at #5 on this year's best-value Drama And Theater Arts ranking in the United States. Stephens College is a private not-for-profit school based in Columbia, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $28,300. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,071 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. See the full Stephens College profile
Texas A And M University Commerce ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools. Located in Commerce, TX, Texas A And M University Commerce is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,026, with out-of-state students paying around $22,326. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $23,796. Median earnings reach $50,296 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. More on Texas A And M University Commerce
University Of South Dakota landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of South Dakota is a public school based in Vermillion, SD. Students from in state pay about $9,432 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,942 for out-of-state students. University Of South Dakota Drama And Theater Arts students take on a median of $26,322 in debt. Median earnings reach $51,926 ten years out. Set against $26,322 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of South Dakota
National University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,284. Graduates carry a median of $30,426 in student loans. Median earnings reach $67,548 ten years out. Set against $30,426 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full National University report
Illinois State University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,410 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Illinois State University Drama And Theater Arts students take on a median of $24,246 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,117. Set against $24,246 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on Illinois State University
Cuny Graduate School And University Center ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools. Set in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,235, with out-of-state students paying around $15,185. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $17,921. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,991 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,921 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Cuny Graduate School And University Center
Texas Womans University placed #11 among the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools in the United States. Located in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,640 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,480. Graduates carry a median of $24,211 in student loans. Texas Womans University alumni report median earnings of $56,544 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Womans University admits about 96% of applicants. More on Texas Womans University
University Of Southern Mississippi landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Hattiesburg, MS. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,998, with out-of-state students paying around $11,998. Graduates carry a median of $25,415 in student loans. University Of Southern Mississippi alumni report median earnings of $44,140 a decade after entry. Set against $25,415 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Southern Mississippi has an acceptance rate of 99%. More on University Of Southern Mississippi
Northern Illinois University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. Northern Illinois University Drama And Theater Arts students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. More on Northern Illinois University
University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Azusa Pacific University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Azusa Pacific University is a private not-for-profit school based in Azusa, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,458. Students borrow a median of $23,709 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. Azusa Pacific University alumni report median earnings of $66,677 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,709 median debt. Azusa Pacific University admits about 88% of applicants. More on Azusa Pacific University
Montclair State University placed #16 among the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools in the United States. Located in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $25,022. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,415. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on Montclair State University
Regent University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Set in Virginia Beach, VA, Regent University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $21,650. Graduates carry a median of $29,451 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,498. Set against $29,451 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Regent University has an acceptance rate of 38%. See the full Regent University profile
Kansas State University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Based in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $23,546. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,262. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Kansas State University report
Western Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. This public school is set in Macomb, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,572. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $27,639. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,163. Set against $27,639 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Illinois University admits about 71% of applicants. More on Western Illinois University
University Of Houston came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. Graduates carry a median of $21,255 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,377 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,255 median debt. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants. See the full University Of Houston profile
Loyola Marymount University placed #21 among the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools in the United States. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Loyola Marymount University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,867. Graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,349. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Loyola Marymount University admits about 45% of applicants. Read more about Loyola Marymount University
Rowan University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Located in Glassboro, NJ, Rowan University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,574, compared with $26,932 for out-of-state students. Rowan University Drama And Theater Arts students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,988. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Rowan University has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read more about Rowan University
Oklahoma City University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools. Set in Oklahoma City, OK, Oklahoma City University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,754. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,655. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Oklahoma City University admits about 77% of applicants. More on Oklahoma City University
Texas Tech University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $26,500. Texas Tech University alumni report median earnings of $62,454 a decade after entry. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants. More on Texas Tech University
The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. The median Drama And Theater Arts program debt is $26,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,121. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Drama And Theater Arts Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of California Berkeley offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Students borrow a median of $15,112 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. University Of California Berkeley alumni report median earnings of $92,446 a decade after entry. Set against $15,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
Mississippi University For Women offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Based in Columbus, MS, Mississippi University For Women is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,492. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $24,509. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,128 ten years after entry. Set against $24,509 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on Mississippi University For Women
Texas State University San Marcos landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $22,930. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,906 ten years after entry. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas State University San Marcos has an acceptance rate of 89%. See the full Texas State University San Marcos profile
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University placed #29 among the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools in the United States. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public school based in Blacksburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,637 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,698. Set against $24,637 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
California State University Northridge came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Set in Northridge, CA, California State University Northridge is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,458, while out-of-state students pay about $20,058. Graduates carry a median of $17,863 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,115. Set against $17,863 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read the full report on California State University Northridge
University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools. This public school is set in Winston Salem, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,477, with out-of-state students paying around $27,211. University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts Drama And Theater Arts students take on a median of $24,592 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,357. Set against $24,592 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts has an acceptance rate of 30%. More on University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts
University Of Arkansas ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools. Set in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,966. Graduates carry a median of $24,019 in student loans. University Of Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $58,191 a decade after entry. Set against $24,019 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Arkansas has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read the full report on University Of Arkansas
San Diego State University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools. Based in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,728, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $15,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,909. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 36% of applicants are accepted. More on San Diego State University
Point Park University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Set in Pittsburgh, PA, Point Park University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $39,570. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $45,856 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Point Park University report
San Francisco State University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. San Francisco State University is a public school based in San Francisco, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,846, compared with $20,446 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,250 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,077 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. San Francisco State University has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read the full report on San Francisco State University
University Of Nevada Las Vegas landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public school based in Las Vegas, NV. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,748, with out-of-state students paying around $27,411. The median Drama And Theater Arts program debt is $19,657. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,037. Set against $19,657 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%. Read more about University Of Nevada Las Vegas
The University Of Montana offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. The University Of Montana is a public school based in Missoula, MT. In-state tuition and fees average $8,552, while out-of-state students pay about $33,671. Students borrow a median of $27,997 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,511. That is a strong return on a $27,997 median debt. The University Of Montana has an acceptance rate of 96%. More on The University Of Montana
Bowling Green State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public school based in Bowling Green, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,912, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $25,250. Median earnings reach $47,896 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Bowling Green State University Main Campus profile
Purdue University Main Campus placed #39 among the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in West Lafayette, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $19,844. Median earnings reach $72,424 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,844 median debt. Purdue University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 50%. More on Purdue University Main Campus
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Graduates carry a median of $21,813 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,792 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,813 median debt. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of California Davis came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. University Of California Davis is a public school based in Davis, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. University Of California Davis Drama And Theater Arts students take on a median of $13,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $80,838. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Davis has an acceptance rate of 42%. See the full University Of California Davis profile
University Of Georgia landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $19,399. Median earnings reach $68,726 ten years out. Set against $19,399 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Georgia has an acceptance rate of 38%. Read more about University Of Georgia
University Of New Orleans came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Based in New Orleans, LA, University Of New Orleans is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,172, compared with $14,008 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,987 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,872. That is a strong return on a $21,987 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of New Orleans report
Villanova University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Located in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,776. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $26,184. Median earnings reach $100,423 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Villanova University has an acceptance rate of 27%. More on Villanova University
University Of California San Diego offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. This public school is set in La Jolla, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,788, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. Students borrow a median of $14,650 to complete their Drama And Theater Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,943. That is a strong return on a $14,650 median debt. The acceptance rate is 27%. More on University Of California San Diego
California State University Los Angeles landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Los Angeles, CA, California State University Los Angeles is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,164, compared with $19,764 for out-of-state students. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $11,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,211 ten years after entry. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Los Angeles has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read the full report on California State University Los Angeles
University Of Northern Colorado placed #47 among the best-value Drama And Theater Arts schools in the United States. Located in Greeley, CO, University Of Northern Colorado is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,901, while out-of-state students pay about $26,979. University Of Northern Colorado Drama And Theater Arts students take on a median of $24,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,231. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Northern Colorado admits about 86% of applicants. Get the full University Of Northern Colorado report
University Of California Santa Barbara came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Located in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,444, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $16,852. Median earnings reach $74,915 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,852 median debt. About 33% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of California Santa Barbara profile
California State University Long Beach landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,374, compared with $19,974 for out-of-state students. Typical Drama And Theater Arts student debt is $15,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,403. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. California State University Long Beach has an acceptance rate of 46%. See the full California State University Long Beach profile
Ohio University Main Campus came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Athens, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,158, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,750 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,581. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Ohio University Main Campus
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 Associate’s 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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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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