2027 Best Value Theater Arts Schools in Tennessee

1

Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN

For return on investment in theater arts, no school beat Middle Tennessee State University this year. Set in the city of Murfreesboro, Middle Tennessee State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,266, compared with $31,574 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete the theater arts program here. Theater Arts graduates of Middle Tennessee State University earn a median of $17,860 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,000 median debt. Middle Tennessee State University admits about 69% of applicants.

2

University Of Memphis
Memphis, TN

A rank of #2 makes University Of Memphis one of the best values for theater arts. University Of Memphis is a very large public school located in the city of Memphis. In-state tuition and fees average $10,728, with out-of-state students paying around $15,384. Typical student debt for theater arts graduates is $22,875. Soon after graduation, theater arts degree recipients from University Of Memphis generally make around $19,055. Set against $22,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%.

3

East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN

East Tennessee State University came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value theater arts schools. Located in the city of Johnson City, East Tennessee State University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,216, while out-of-state students pay about $13,726. Theater Arts graduates carry a median of $21,301 in student loans. Theater Arts graduates of East Tennessee State University earn a median of $45,444 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. East Tennessee State University admits about 86% of applicants.

4

The University Of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at The University Of Tennessee earned it the #4 place for theater arts. The University Of Tennessee is a very large public school located in the city of Knoxville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,812, with out-of-state students paying around $33,256. Typical student debt for theater arts graduates is $22,859. Theater Arts graduates of The University Of Tennessee earn a median of $21,189 early in their careers. Set against $22,859 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%.

5

Lipscomb University
Nashville, TN

Lipscomb University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in theater arts, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Nashville, Lipscomb University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,572. Typical student debt for theater arts graduates is $23,529. Early-career theater arts graduates make about $48,949. Set against $23,529 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lipscomb University admits about 68% of applicants.

6

Belmont University
Nashville, TN

Belmont University ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best value theater arts schools. Located in the city of Nashville, Belmont University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $42,540 in tuition and fees. Theater Arts graduates carry a median of $23,447 in student loans. Early-career theater arts graduates make about $49,699. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Belmont University admits about 95% of applicants.