by our College Data Analytics Team
[Drama & Theater Arts](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/drama-and-theater-arts/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 8 schools to find the best return on investment for drama & theater arts students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the drama & theater arts degrees they offer, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked Snow College the best value for a degree in drama & theater arts in Utah. Snow College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Ephraim. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,338, while out-of-state students pay about $14,288. Typical student debt for drama & theater arts graduates is $10,440. Early-career drama & theater arts graduates make about $42,776. That is a strong return on a $10,440 median debt.
A rank of #2 makes Utah Valley University one of the best values for drama & theater arts. Set in the city of Orem, Utah Valley University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,507, while out-of-state students pay about $18,489. Drama & Theater Arts graduates carry a median of $16,510 in student loans. Soon after graduation, drama & theater arts degree recipients from Utah Valley University generally make around $23,896. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #3 makes Salt Lake Community College one of the best values for drama & theater arts. Located in the suburb of Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Community College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,426, while out-of-state students pay about $14,244. Typical student debt for drama & theater arts graduates is $10,855. Early-career drama & theater arts graduates make about $42,031. Set against $10,855 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in drama & theater arts will find it at Weber State University, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Ogden, Weber State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,557, with out-of-state students paying around $17,545. Drama & Theater Arts graduates carry a median of $19,176 in student loans. Early-career drama & theater arts graduates make about $53,920. Set against $19,176 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #5 makes Southern Utah University one of the best values for drama & theater arts. Southern Utah University is a very large public school located in the town of Cedar City. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,962, compared with $21,192 for out-of-state students. Drama & Theater Arts graduates carry a median of $19,284 in student loans. Soon after graduation, drama & theater arts degree recipients from Southern Utah University generally make around $27,335. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%.
Utah State University ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best value drama & theater arts schools. Utah State University is a very large public school located in the city of Logan. Students from in state pay about $8,560 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,993 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for drama & theater arts graduates is $15,601. Early-career drama & theater arts graduates make about $23,341. Set against $15,601 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Utah State University admits about 92% of applicants.
Brigham Young University Provo came in at #7 for value in drama & theater arts this year. Brigham Young University Provo is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Provo. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Typical student debt for drama & theater arts graduates is $22,904. Drama & Theater Arts 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.
University Of Utah ranked #8 on our 2027 list of the best value drama & theater arts schools. Located in the city of Salt Lake City, University Of Utah is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,620, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,316 to complete the drama & theater arts program here. Soon after graduation, drama & theater arts degree recipients from University Of Utah generally make around $20,701. Set against $20,316 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% 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 · 8 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 8 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.