by our College Data Analytics Team
[Acting](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/drama-and-theater-arts/acting/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 10 schools to find the best return on investment for acting students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in acting, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked Salt Lake Community College the best value for a degree in acting in the Rocky Mountains Region. Salt Lake Community College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Salt Lake City. In-state tuition and fees average $4,426, while out-of-state students pay about $14,244. Acting graduates carry a median of $10,855 in student loans. Early-career acting graduates make about $42,031. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southern Utah University earned it the #2 place for acting. Set in the town of Cedar City, Southern Utah University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,962, compared with $21,192 for out-of-state students. Acting graduates carry a median of $19,284 in student loans. Early-career acting graduates make about $27,335. That is a strong return on a $19,284 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%.
University Of Utah came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value acting schools. University Of Utah is a very large public school located in the city of Salt Lake City. Students from in state pay about $9,620 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. Students borrow a median of $20,316 to complete the acting program here. Early-career acting graduates make about $60,527. That is a strong return on a $20,316 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.
Brigham Young University Provo came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value acting schools. Brigham Young University Provo is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Provo. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Typical student debt for acting graduates is $22,904. Acting graduates of Brigham Young University Provo earn a median of $21,047 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.
Dixie State College Of Utah is a great value for students pursuing a degree in acting, landing the #5 spot this year. Dixie State College Of Utah is a large public school located in the city of Saint George. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,306, with out-of-state students paying around $18,246. Typical student debt for acting graduates is $18,666. Early-career acting graduates make about $42,266. That is a strong return on a $18,666 median debt.
Idaho State University placed #6 among the best values for acting. Located in the city of Pocatello, Idaho State University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,610, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. Students borrow a median of $24,640 to complete the acting program here. Acting graduates of Idaho State University earn a median of $51,446 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
University Of Northern Colorado came in at #7 for value in acting this year. Set in the city of Greeley, University Of Northern Colorado is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,901, with out-of-state students paying around $26,979. Acting graduates carry a median of $24,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, acting degree recipients from University Of Northern Colorado generally make around $42,124. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 10 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.