by our College Data Analytics Team
[Theater Arts](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/drama-and-theater-arts/theater-arts/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. 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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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the theater arts degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is Mesa Community College, our #1 best value for theater arts in Arizona. Mesa Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Mesa. In-state tuition and fees average $2,358, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for theater arts graduates is $13,750. Early-career theater arts graduates make about $54,730. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Scottsdale Community College came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value theater arts schools. Scottsdale Community College is a large public school located in the rural area of Scottsdale. Students from in state pay about $2,358 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Students borrow a median of $13,084 to complete the theater arts program here. Early-career theater arts graduates make about $48,039. That is a strong return on a $13,084 median debt.
Students looking for strong value in theater arts will find it at Northern Arizona University, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,619, with out-of-state students paying around $20,044. Typical student debt for theater arts graduates is $21,966. Early-career theater arts graduates make about $23,043. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%.
Arizona State University came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value theater arts schools. Set in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Theater Arts graduates carry a median of $19,606 in student loans. Early-career theater arts graduates make about $25,301. Set against $19,606 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Arizona is a great value for students pursuing a degree in theater arts, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. Typical student debt for theater arts graduates is $23,725. Theater Arts graduates of University Of Arizona earn a median of $26,048 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
Grand Canyon University ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best value theater arts schools. Located in the city of Phoenix, Grand Canyon University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,508. Typical student debt for theater arts graduates is $26,000. Early-career theater arts graduates make about $21,760. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Grand Canyon University admits about 79% of applicants.
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 · 6 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.