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2027 Best Drama & Theater Arts Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

64 Colleges in the United States
3,396 Drama & Theater Arts Degrees Awarded
$25,667 Avg Early-Career Salary

Drama & Theater Arts degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.

To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 64 schools to find the best for drama & theater arts students.

What’s on this page:

Best Schools for Drama & Theater Arts in the Middle Atlantic Region

If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the drama & theater arts degrees they offer, see the list below.

Top Schools in Drama & Theater Arts

1

Our analysis ranked University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus the best school in the country for a degree in drama & theater arts. This very large public university is located in the city of Pittsburgh. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 15 drama & theater arts students who graduated with this degree at University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus in the most recent data year. Graduates of the drama & theater arts program make about $56,926 in their early career. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus graduates carry a median of $24,958 in student loans. See the full drama & theater arts program report for University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus

2
American University crest
American University
Washington, DC

American University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in drama & theater arts, ranking #2. American University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington. American University graduates 76% of students within six years. There were roughly 25 drama & theater arts students who graduated with this degree at American University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, drama & theater arts degree recipients from American University generally make around $23,979. Typical student debt for the program is $24,989. See the full drama & theater arts program report for American University

3
Cuny Hunter College crest
Cuny Hunter College
New York, NY

Cuny Hunter College is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in drama & theater arts, ranking #3. Cuny Hunter College is a very large public school located in the city of New York. The six-year graduation rate is 57%. About 31 drama & theater arts degrees were awarded at Cuny Hunter College in the most recent year. Graduates of the drama & theater arts program make about $25,059 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $11,091. See the full drama & theater arts program report for Cuny Hunter College

4
New York University crest
New York University
New York, NY

New York University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in drama & theater arts, landing the #4 spot this year. New York University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of New York. Roughly 88% of students complete a degree within six years here. New York University awarded about 549 drama & theater arts degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the drama & theater arts program make about $32,829 in their early career. New York University graduates carry a median of $21,762 in student loans. See the full drama & theater arts program report for New York University

5

Students looking for a strong drama & theater arts program will find one at Rutgers University New Brunswick, which ranked #5. Set in the city of New Brunswick, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. Rutgers University New Brunswick awarded about 49 drama & theater arts degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, drama & theater arts degree recipients from Rutgers University New Brunswick generally make around $24,770. Students borrow a median of $23,000 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in drama & theater arts from Rutgers University New Brunswick

6
Syracuse University crest
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY

Syracuse University placed #6 among the best drama & theater arts schools. Set in the city of Syracuse, Syracuse University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. About 84% of students finish within six years. About 73 drama & theater arts degrees were awarded at Syracuse University in the most recent year. Students who receive their drama & theater arts degree from Syracuse University earn around $20,988 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in drama & theater arts from Syracuse University

7

Cuny Brooklyn College came in at #7 for drama & theater arts this year. Cuny Brooklyn College is a large public school located in the city of Brooklyn. About 54% of students finish within six years. Cuny Brooklyn College awarded about 55 drama & theater arts degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the drama & theater arts program make about $29,622 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $13,303 to complete this degree. See the full drama & theater arts program report for Cuny Brooklyn College

8
Drexel University crest
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA

Drexel University came in at #8 for drama & theater arts this year. Located in the city of Philadelphia, Drexel University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Drexel University graduates 78% of students within six years. There were roughly 11 drama & theater arts students who graduated with this degree at Drexel University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, drama & theater arts degree recipients from Drexel University generally make around $67,556. Drexel University graduates carry a median of $28,838 in student loans. Get the full drama & theater arts details for Drexel University

9
Ithaca College crest
Ithaca College
Ithaca, NY

Ithaca College ranked #9 on our 2027 list of the best drama & theater arts schools. Set in the suburb of Ithaca, Ithaca College is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 76%. There were roughly 89 drama & theater arts students who graduated with this degree at Ithaca College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the drama & theater arts program make about $18,243 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete this degree. Get the full drama & theater arts details for Ithaca College

10

University Of Maryland College Park ranked #10 on our 2027 list of the best drama & theater arts schools. This very large public university is located in the suburb of College Park. About 89% of students finish within six years. About 35 drama & theater arts degrees were awarded at University Of Maryland College Park in the most recent year. Graduates of the drama & theater arts program make about $17,985 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $20,681. More information about a degree in drama & theater arts from University Of Maryland College Park

11

Columbia University In The City Of New York earned the #11 position for drama & theater arts this year. Columbia University In The City Of New York is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of New York. Columbia University In The City Of New York graduates 96% of students within six years. There were roughly 68 drama & theater arts students who graduated with this degree at Columbia University In The City Of New York in the most recent data year. Graduates of the drama & theater arts program make about $20,935 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $23,258. See the full drama & theater arts program report for Columbia University In The City Of New York

12

Carnegie Mellon University came in at #12 for drama & theater arts this year. Carnegie Mellon University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Pittsburgh. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. About 68 drama & theater arts degrees were awarded at Carnegie Mellon University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, drama & theater arts degree recipients from Carnegie Mellon University generally make around $27,391. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete this degree. Get the full drama & theater arts details for Carnegie Mellon University

13
Vassar College crest
Vassar College
Poughkeepsie, NY

Vassar College earned the #13 position for drama & theater arts this year. Located in the suburb of Poughkeepsie, Vassar College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 23 drama & theater arts students who graduated with this degree at Vassar College in the most recent data year. Drama & Theater Arts graduates of Vassar College earn a median of $19,339 early in their careers. Vassar College graduates carry a median of $20,000 in student loans. Get the full drama & theater arts details for Vassar College

14

West Chester University Of Pennsylvania ranked #14 on our 2027 list of the best drama & theater arts schools. Located in the suburb of West Chester, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a large public university. Roughly 70% of students complete a degree within six years here. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania awarded about 15 drama & theater arts degrees in the most recent data year. Get the full drama & theater arts details for West Chester University Of Pennsylvania

15

Suny At Binghamton placed #15 among the best drama & theater arts schools. Suny At Binghamton is a very large public school located in the suburb of Vestal. The six-year graduation rate is 82%. Suny At Binghamton awarded about 13 drama & theater arts degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the drama & theater arts program make about $18,920 in their early career. Suny At Binghamton graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. More information about a degree in drama & theater arts from Suny At Binghamton

16

Fordham University earned the #16 position for drama & theater arts this year. Located in the city of Bronx, Fordham University is a large private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 82%. About 40 drama & theater arts degrees were awarded at Fordham University in the most recent year. Students who receive their drama & theater arts degree from Fordham University earn around $14,133 in the first couple years of their career. Fordham University graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Get the full drama & theater arts details for Fordham University

17

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus landed the #17 spot for drama & theater arts this year. Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of University Park. Pennsylvania State University Main Campus graduates 86% of students within six years. There were roughly 37 drama & theater arts students who graduated with this degree at Pennsylvania State University Main Campus in the most recent data year. Graduates of the drama & theater arts program make about $27,886 in their early career. Pennsylvania State University Main Campus graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read more about the drama & theater arts program at Pennsylvania State University Main Campus

18

University At Buffalo ranked #18 on our 2027 list of the best drama & theater arts schools. University At Buffalo is a very large public school located in the suburb of Buffalo. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 22 drama & theater arts degrees were awarded at University At Buffalo in the most recent year. Graduates of the drama & theater arts program make about $25,810 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $26,637 to complete this degree. See the full drama & theater arts program report for University At Buffalo

19
Niagara University crest
Niagara University
Niagara University, NY

Niagara University came in at #19 for drama & theater arts this year. Niagara University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Niagara University. About 74% of students finish within six years. Niagara University awarded about 14 drama & theater arts degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their drama & theater arts degree from Niagara University earn around $51,918 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $26,208 to complete this degree. Read more about the drama & theater arts program at Niagara University

20
Towson University crest
Towson University
Towson, MD

Towson University ranked #20 on our 2027 list of the best drama & theater arts schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Towson. About 70% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 27 drama & theater arts students who graduated with this degree at Towson University in the most recent data year. Drama & Theater Arts graduates of Towson University earn a median of $19,871 early in their careers. Towson University graduates carry a median of $17,500 in student loans. More information about a degree in drama & theater arts from Towson University

21

Manhattan School Of Music landed the #21 spot for drama & theater arts this year. This small private not-for-profit university is located in the city of New York. Roughly 78% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 23 drama & theater arts students who graduated with this degree at Manhattan School Of Music in the most recent data year. Students who receive their drama & theater arts degree from Manhattan School Of Music earn around $29,400 in the first couple years of their career. Manhattan School Of Music graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. See the full drama & theater arts program report for Manhattan School Of Music

22
Rowan University crest
Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ

Rowan University landed the #22 spot for drama & theater arts this year. Located in the suburb of Glassboro, Rowan University is a very large public university. Rowan University graduates 67% of students within six years. There were roughly 36 drama & theater arts students who graduated with this degree at Rowan University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their drama & theater arts degree from Rowan University earn around $18,558 in the first couple years of their career. Rowan University graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. See the full drama & theater arts program report for Rowan University

23

Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania earned the #23 position for drama & theater arts this year. Set in the town of Slippery Rock, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public institution. About 66% of students finish within six years. About 18 drama & theater arts degrees were awarded at Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, drama & theater arts degree recipients from Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania generally make around $33,169. Typical student debt for the program is $26,330. More information about a degree in drama & theater arts from Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania

24

University Of Maryland Baltimore County placed #24 among the best drama & theater arts schools. Set in the suburb of Baltimore, University Of Maryland Baltimore County is a large public institution. About 69% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 18 drama & theater arts students who graduated with this degree at University Of Maryland Baltimore County in the most recent data year. Graduates of the drama & theater arts program make about $17,381 in their early career. University Of Maryland Baltimore County graduates carry a median of $18,812 in student loans. See the full drama & theater arts program report for University Of Maryland Baltimore County

25
Temple University crest
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA

Temple University earned the #25 position for drama & theater arts this year. Located in the city of Philadelphia, Temple University is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. About 99 drama & theater arts degrees were awarded at Temple University in the most recent year. Students who receive their drama & theater arts degree from Temple University earn around $19,269 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete this degree. Read more about the drama & theater arts program at Temple University

Rest of the Top 50 Drama & Theater Arts Schools

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s drama & theater arts ranking:

26
Skidmore College crest
Skidmore College
Saratoga Springs, NY
27
Muhlenberg College crest
Muhlenberg College
Allentown, PA
28
29
Rider University crest
Rider University
Lawrenceville, NJ
30
31
32
33
Hofstra University crest
Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY
34
The New School crest
The New School
New York, NY
35
Nassau Community College crest
Nassau Community College
Garden City, NY
36
37
Suny At Fredonia crest
Suny At Fredonia
Fredonia, NY
38
39
40
41
Cuny Laguardia Community College crest
Cuny Laguardia Community College
Long Island City, NY
42
43
44
Point Park University crest
Point Park University
Pittsburgh, PA
45
Adelphi University crest
Adelphi University
Garden City, NY
46
The Juilliard School crest
The Juilliard School
New York, NY
47
48
49
Kean University crest
Kean University
Union, NJ
50
Cuny City College crest
Cuny City College
New York, NY

View All Drama & Theater Arts Rankings >

Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 64 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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