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2027 Best Value Theater Arts Schools in New Jersey

6 Colleges in the United States
$25,360 Avg Student Debt
$62,340 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2027 Best Value Theater Arts Badge [Theater Arts](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/drama-and-theater-arts/theater-arts/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong theater arts education at a price that pays off.

College Factual analyzed 6 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value theater arts schools.

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2027 Best Value Theater Arts Schools in New Jersey

If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the theater arts degrees they offer, see the list below.

Best Value Theater Arts Schools

1
Kean University crest
Kean University
Union, NJ

Leading the list is Kean University, our #1 best value for theater arts in New Jersey. Set in the suburb of Union, Kean University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,299 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,446. Typical student debt for theater arts graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, theater arts degree recipients from Kean University generally make around $48,705. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%.

2

Students looking for strong value in theater arts will find it at Montclair State University, which ranked #2. Montclair State University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Montclair. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,912, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. Theater Arts graduates carry a median of $25,022 in student loans. Soon after graduation, theater arts degree recipients from Montclair State University generally make around $18,474. That is a strong return on a $25,022 median debt. Montclair State University admits about 88% of applicants.

3
Rowan University crest
Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ

Rowan University came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value theater arts schools. Set in the suburb of Glassboro, Rowan University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,574, with out-of-state students paying around $26,932. Theater Arts graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Theater Arts graduates of Rowan University earn a median of $18,558 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Rowan University admits about 78% of applicants.

4

Students looking for strong value in theater arts will find it at Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham, which ranked #4. Set in the suburb of Madison, Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,468. Students borrow a median of $25,139 to complete the theater arts program here. Early-career theater arts graduates make about $16,666. Set against $25,139 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%.

5
Drew University crest
Drew University
Madison, NJ

Drew University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in theater arts, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Madison, Drew University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $47,100 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for theater arts graduates is $27,000. Theater Arts graduates of Drew University earn a median of $13,710 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.

6

Rutgers University New Brunswick ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best value theater arts schools. Located in the city of New Brunswick, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $17,929, compared with $37,441 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for theater arts graduates is $23,000. Soon after graduation, theater arts degree recipients from Rutgers University New Brunswick generally make around $24,770. That is a strong return on a $23,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 58%.

View All Theater Arts Rankings >

Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on 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 · 6 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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