by our College Data Analytics Team
[Acting](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/drama-and-theater-arts/acting/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 7 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value acting schools.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the acting degrees they offer, see the list below.
Nassau Community College earned the #1 spot for value among acting schools in the United States. Set in the suburb of Garden City, Nassau Community College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,330, with out-of-state students paying around $12,130. Students borrow a median of $11,850 to complete the acting program here. Early-career acting graduates make about $38,734. Set against $11,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in acting will find it at Capital Community College, which ranked #2. Located in the city of New Britain, Capital Community College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,338, while out-of-state students pay about $15,596. Acting graduates carry a median of $12,059 in student loans. Early-career acting graduates make about $43,086. Set against $12,059 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northampton County Area Community College earned it the #3 place for acting. Located in the suburb of Bethlehem, Northampton County Area Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,550, compared with $15,270 for out-of-state students. Acting graduates carry a median of $18,900 in student loans. Acting graduates of Northampton County Area Community College earn a median of $35,960 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $18,900 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Kd College Conservatory Of Film And Dramatic Arts earned it the #4 place for acting. Set in the city of Dallas, Kd College Conservatory Of Film And Dramatic Arts is a small private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $20,521 in tuition and fees. Acting graduates carry a median of $17,316 in student loans. Soon after graduation, acting degree recipients from Kd College Conservatory Of Film And Dramatic Arts generally make around $22,845. That is a strong return on a $17,316 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.
New York Film Academy is a great value for students pursuing a degree in acting, landing the #5 spot this year. New York Film Academy is a small private for-profit school located in the city of Burbank. Students from in state pay about $37,122 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete the acting program here. Acting graduates of New York Film Academy earn a median of $6,814 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt.
American Musical And Dramatic Academy landed the #6 spot for acting value this year. American Musical And Dramatic Academy is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of New York. Students from in state pay about $46,928 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete the acting program here. Soon after graduation, acting degree recipients from American Musical And Dramatic Academy generally make around $15,909. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted.
American Academy Of Dramatic Arts New York ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best value acting schools. American Academy Of Dramatic Arts New York is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of New York. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,650. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete the acting program here. Early-career acting graduates make about $12,445. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%.
Explore the best-value acting schools at other degree levels:
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 7 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.