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2022 Most Popular Associate Degree Colleges for Drama & Theater Arts

234 Colleges in the United States
1,629 Associate Degrees
$16,000 Avg Early-Career Salary
An associate degree in drama and theater arts is more popular than many other degrees. In fact, it ranks #63 out of 312 on popularity of all such degrees in the nation. So, you have a fair amount of options to choose from when looking for a school.

For its 2022 ranking, College Factual looked at 234 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the most popular for drama and theater arts students pursuing a associate degree. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 1,629 associate degrees in drama and theater arts during the 2019-2020 academic year.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Other Rankings

Choosing a Great Drama & Theater Arts School for Your Associate Degree

Most Popular Associate Degree Colleges for Drama & Theater Arts The theater associate degree program you select can have a big impact on your future. One of the reasons we created our Most Popular Associate Degree Colleges for Drama & Theater Arts ranking is to help you make that choice.

A high popularity ranking isn't always a sign that a school has a great overall quality ranking for drama and theater arts, but it does mean that many students are choosing the school for some reason. This may be due to it being a great value, it offering a stellar educational experience, or the subject is a major focus of the school.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Bachelor's Degrees in Theater
Master's Degrees in Theater
Doctor's Degrees in Theater
Overall Popularity in Theater

We have also developed a number of other rankings to help guide you in your decision-making process. To begin with, if this is not the degree level you are most interested in, you may want to check out one of the others noted above. If you would prefer to limit your search to a specific state or region of the county, see our rankings by location. On top of that, you can visit our other rankings for drama and theater arts.

The following list ranks the most popular colleges and universities for pursuing an associate degree in drama and theater arts. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Most Well Attended Schools for Theater Students Working on Their Associate

1
141 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NY
#10 Best Quality In NY

New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts is a popular decision for individuals interested in an associate degree in drama and theater arts. New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the city of New York.

There were about 141 drama and theater arts individuals who graduated with this degree at New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts in the most recent data year.

Students who graduate with their associate from the theater program report average early career earnings of $17,500.

More information about a associate in drama and theater arts from New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts

2
121 Annual Associate Degrees
#2 Most Popular In NY
#1 Best Quality In NY

Any student who is interested in an associate degree in drama and theater arts needs to take a look at American Academy of Dramatic Arts - New York. American Academy of Dramatic Arts - New York is a fairly small private not-for-profit school located in the city of New York. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for associate degrees in drama and theater arts in New York.

There were roughly 121 drama and theater arts individuals who graduated with this degree at American Academy of Dramatic Arts - New York in the most recent data year.

Associate graduates who receive their degree from the theater program make around $13,500 in their early career salary.

More information about a associate in drama and theater arts from American Academy of Dramatic Arts - New York

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71 Annual Associate Degrees
#3 Most Popular In NY
#9 Best Quality In NY

You'll be surrounded by many like-minded peers at American Musical and Dramatic Academy if you want to pursue an associate degree in drama and theater arts. American Musical and Dramatic Academy is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of New York. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #9 in quality for associate degrees in drama and theater arts in New York. More information about a associate in drama and theater arts from American Musical and Dramatic Academy

4
37 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In TX
#3 Best Quality In TX

KD Conservatory College of Film and Dramatic Arts is a popular option for students interested in an associate degree in drama and theater arts. Located in the city of Dallas, KD Conservatory is a private for-profit college with a small student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #3 in quality for associate degrees in drama and theater arts in Texas.

There were about 37 drama and theater arts students who graduated with this degree at KD Conservatory in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in drama and theater arts from KD Conservatory College of Film and Dramatic Arts

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SMC crest
Santa Monica College
Santa Monica, CA
37 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In CA
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

Santa Monica College is one of the most popular schools in the country for getting an associate degree in drama and theater arts. SMC is a fairly large public college located in the small city of Santa Monica.

There were about 37 drama and theater arts individuals who graduated with this degree at SMC in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in drama and theater arts from Santa Monica College

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Citrus College crest
Citrus College
Glendora, CA
36 Annual Associate Degrees
#2 Most Popular In CA
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

Located in the suburb of Glendora, Citrus College is a public college with a fairly large student population.

There were roughly 36 drama and theater arts individuals who graduated with this degree at Citrus College in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a associate in drama and theater arts from Citrus College

7
LaGuardia crest
LaGuardia Community College
Long Island City, NY
35 Annual Associate Degrees
#4 Most Popular In NY
#3 Best Quality In NY

Located in the large city of Long Island City, LaGuardia is a public college with a large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #3 in quality for associate degrees in drama and theater arts in New York.

There were about 35 drama and theater arts individuals who graduated with this degree at LaGuardia in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in drama and theater arts from LaGuardia Community College

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30 Annual Associate Degrees
#5 Most Popular In NY
#2 Best Quality In NY

QCC is a large public college located in the city of Bayside. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for associate degrees in drama and theater arts in New York.

There were about 30 drama and theater arts students who graduated with this degree at QCC in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a associate in drama and theater arts from Queensborough Community College

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Moorpark College crest
Moorpark College
Moorpark, CA
30 Annual Associate Degrees
#3 Most Popular In CA
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

Moorpark College is a large public college located in the medium-sized suburb of Moorpark.

There were approximately 30 drama and theater arts students who graduated with this degree at Moorpark College in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in drama and theater arts from Moorpark College

10
29 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In FL
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

Located in the distant town of Palatka, St. Johns River Community College is a public college with a medium-sized student population.

There were about 29 drama and theater arts students who graduated with this degree at St. Johns River Community College in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in drama and theater arts from Saint Johns River State College

11
Chaffey College crest
Chaffey College
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
28 Annual Associate Degrees
#4 Most Popular In CA
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

Located in the large suburb of Rancho Cucamonga, Chaffey College is a public college with a fairly large student population.

There were approximately 28 drama and theater arts individuals who graduated with this degree at Chaffey College in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in drama and theater arts from Chaffey College

12
24 Annual Associate Degrees
#5 Most Popular In CA
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

Fresno City College is a very large public college located in the city of Fresno.

There were roughly 24 drama and theater arts students who graduated with this degree at Fresno City College in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a associate in drama and theater arts from Fresno City College

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College of the Canyons crest
College of the Canyons
Santa Clarita, CA
24 Annual Associate Degrees
#5 Most Popular In CA
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

Located in the suburb of Santa Clarita, College of the Canyons is a public college with a very large student population.

There were roughly 24 drama and theater arts individuals who graduated with this degree at College of the Canyons in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a associate in drama and theater arts from College of the Canyons

14
23 Annual Associate Degrees
#7 Most Popular In CA
#5 Best Quality In CA

New York Film Academy is a small private for-profit school located in the midsize city of Burbank. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #5 in quality for associate degrees in drama and theater arts in California.

There were roughly 23 drama and theater arts students who graduated with this degree at New York Film Academy in the most recent year we have data available.

Associate recipients from the drama and theater arts degree program at New York Film Academy make $2,400 above the typical graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a associate in drama and theater arts from New York Film Academy

15
Valencia College crest
Valencia College
Orlando, FL
21 Annual Associate Degrees
#2 Most Popular In FL
#1 Best Quality In FL

Located in the city of Orlando, Valencia College is a public college with a fairly large student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for associate degrees in drama and theater arts in Florida.

There were approximately 21 drama and theater arts individuals who graduated with this degree at Valencia College in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a associate in drama and theater arts from Valencia College

16
Grossmont College crest
Grossmont College
El Cajon, CA
20 Annual Associate Degrees
#8 Most Popular In CA
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

Grossmont College is a large public college located in the large suburb of El Cajon.

There were approximately 20 drama and theater arts students who graduated with this degree at Grossmont College in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in drama and theater arts from Grossmont College

17
17 Annual Associate Degrees
#9 Most Popular In CA
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

Located in the midsize city of Visalia, College of the Sequoias is a public college with a large student population.

There were approximately 17 drama and theater arts individuals who graduated with this degree at College of the Sequoias in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in drama and theater arts from College of the Sequoias

17
TOA crest
Theatre of Arts
Hollywood, CA
17 Annual Associate Degrees
#9 Most Popular In CA
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

TOA is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the city of Hollywood.

There were roughly 17 drama and theater arts individuals who graduated with this degree at TOA in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in drama and theater arts from Theatre of Arts

19
16 Annual Associate Degrees
#6 Most Popular In NY
#5 Best Quality In NY

Located in the suburb of Selden, Suffolk County Community College is a public college with a fairly large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #5 in quality for associate degrees in drama and theater arts in New York.

There were approximately 16 drama and theater arts individuals who graduated with this degree at Suffolk County Community College in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in drama and theater arts from Suffolk County Community College

19
MiraCosta College crest
MiraCosta College
Oceanside, CA
16 Annual Associate Degrees
#11 Most Popular In CA
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

MiraCosta College is a fairly large public college located in the large suburb of Oceanside.

There were approximately 16 drama and theater arts individuals who graduated with this degree at MiraCosta College in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in drama and theater arts from MiraCosta College

19
16 Annual Associate Degrees
#11 Most Popular In CA
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

MJC is a large public college located in the midsize city of Modesto.

There were approximately 16 drama and theater arts students who graduated with this degree at MJC in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in drama and theater arts from Modesto Junior College

22
SBCC crest
Santa Barbara City College
Santa Barbara, CA
15 Annual Associate Degrees
#13 Most Popular In CA
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

SBCC is a fairly large public college located in the small city of Santa Barbara.

There were roughly 15 drama and theater arts individuals who graduated with this degree at SBCC in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in drama and theater arts from Santa Barbara City College

22
Pierce College crest
Los Angeles Pierce College
Woodland Hills, CA
15 Annual Associate Degrees
#13 Most Popular In CA
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

Located in the city of Woodland Hills, Pierce College is a public college with a large student population.

There were roughly 15 drama and theater arts students who graduated with this degree at Pierce College in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in drama and theater arts from Los Angeles Pierce College

24
14 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In OK
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

Northern Oklahoma College is a small public college located in the remote town of Tonkawa.

There were roughly 14 drama and theater arts individuals who graduated with this degree at Northern Oklahoma College in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in drama and theater arts from Northern Oklahoma College

24
American River crest
American River College
Sacramento, CA
14 Annual Associate Degrees
#15 Most Popular In CA
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

American River is a very large public college located in the suburb of Sacramento.

There were approximately 14 drama and theater arts students who graduated with this degree at American River in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a associate in drama and theater arts from American River College

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31
Cypress College crest
Cypress College
Cypress, CA
31
Snow College crest
Snow College
Ephraim, UT
33
33
West Valley College crest
West Valley College
Saratoga, CA
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East Los Angeles College crest
East Los Angeles College
Monterey Park, CA
33
Casper College crest
Casper College
Casper, WY

Additional Noteworthy Schools

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Most Popular Associate Degree Colleges for Drama & Theater Arts award.

Rank College Location
40 Long Beach City College Long Beach, CA
40 Santa Ana College Santa Ana, CA
40 College of Southern Nevada Las Vegas, NV
40 Western Wyoming Community College Rock Springs, WY
40 Orange Coast College Costa Mesa, CA
40 College of the Desert Palm Desert, CA
46 Full Sail University Winter Park, FL
46 Chabot College Hayward, CA
46 Community College of Allegheny County Pittsburgh, PA
46 Rio Hondo College Whittier, CA
46 Salt Lake Community College Salt Lake City, UT
46 Montgomery County Community College Blue Bell, PA
46 Sinclair Community College Dayton, OH
46 Diablo Valley College Pleasant Hill, CA
46 Community College of Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA
46 Cabrillo College Aptos, CA

Drama & Theater Arts by Region

View the Most Popular Associate Degree Colleges for Drama & Theater Arts for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

One of 10 majors within the Visual & Performing Arts area of study, Drama & Theater Arts has other similar majors worth exploring.

Theater Concentrations

Major Annual Graduates
Theater Arts 1,012
Acting 322
Theater Design & Technology 135
Other Dramatic/Theatre Arts & Stagecraft 82
Musical Theater 48
Costume Design 11
Theatre and Dance 11
Playwriting & Screenwriting 6
Directing & Theatrical Production 2

Majors Similar to Theater

Related Major Annual Graduates
Design & Applied Arts 8,339
Fine & Studio Arts 4,263
Music 2,451
General Visual & Performing Arts 1,734
Film, Video & Photographic Arts 1,681
Arts & Media Management 285
Dance 192
Other Visual Art 98
Crafts, Folk Art & Artisanry 21

Notes and References

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