by our College Data Analytics Team
[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 9 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value theater arts schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in theater arts, balancing cost against outcomes.
Leading the list is Mary Baldwin College, our #1 best value for theater arts in Virginia. Set in the city of Staunton, Mary Baldwin College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $21,187. Typical student debt for theater arts graduates is $29,562. Soon after graduation, theater arts degree recipients from Mary Baldwin College generally make around $60,386. Set against $29,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Old Dominion University earned it the #2 place for theater arts. Old Dominion University is a very large public school located in the city of Norfolk. In-state tuition and fees average $12,750, compared with $33,780 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,500 to complete the theater arts program here. Soon after graduation, theater arts degree recipients from Old Dominion University generally make around $57,131. Set against $25,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.
George Mason University came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value theater arts schools. George Mason University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Fairfax. Students from in state pay about $14,220 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,688. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the theater arts program here. Soon after graduation, theater arts degree recipients from George Mason University generally make around $22,984. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #4 makes Regent University one of the best values for theater arts. Set in the city of Virginia Beach, Regent University is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $21,650. Theater Arts graduates carry a median of $29,451 in student loans. Soon after graduation, theater arts degree recipients from Regent University generally make around $43,319. That is a strong return on a $29,451 median debt. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at James Madison University earned it the #5 place for theater arts. Located in the city of Harrisonburg, James Madison University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $13,966 in tuition and fees, compared with $31,312 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,500 to complete the theater arts program here. Theater Arts graduates of James Madison University earn a median of $24,306 early in their careers. Set against $18,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%.
Virginia Commonwealth University earned the #6 position for value in theater arts this year. Set in the city of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,720, with out-of-state students paying around $39,884. Students borrow a median of $21,875 to complete the theater arts program here. Theater Arts graduates of Virginia Commonwealth University earn a median of $22,447 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,875 median debt. Virginia Commonwealth University admits about 93% of applicants.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University landed the #7 spot for theater arts value this year. Set in the city of Blacksburg, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Theater Arts graduates carry a median of $24,637 in student loans. Soon after graduation, theater arts degree recipients from Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University generally make around $36,557. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 55%.
Liberty University earned the #8 position for value in theater arts this year. Set in the city of Lynchburg, Liberty University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,173. Students borrow a median of $27,414 to complete the theater arts program here. Early-career theater arts graduates make about $45,877. That is a strong return on a $27,414 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.
Shenandoah University came in at #9 for value in theater arts this year. Located in the city of Winchester, Shenandoah University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,950. Typical student debt for theater arts graduates is $27,000. Theater Arts graduates of Shenandoah University earn a median of $62,948 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.
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 · 9 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 9 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.