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2027 Best Drama & Theater Arts Schools in the Southeast Region

77 Colleges in the United States
2,359 Drama & Theater Arts Degrees Awarded
$30,437 Avg Early-Career Salary

Drama & Theater Arts programs are offered at a focused set of schools across the country. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.

For its 2027 ranking, College Factual looked at 77 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for drama & theater arts students pursuing a degree.

What’s on this page:

Best Schools for Drama & Theater Arts in the Southeast 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

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in drama & theater arts. Located in the city of Chapel Hill, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 91%. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill awarded about 18 drama & theater arts degrees in the most recent data year. Drama & Theater Arts graduates of University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill earn a median of $32,221 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $15,613. Read more about the drama & theater arts program at University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

2
James Madison University crest
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA

James Madison University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in drama & theater arts, ranking #2. Located in the city of Harrisonburg, James Madison University is a very large public university. James Madison University graduates 80% of students within six years. There were roughly 55 drama & theater arts students who graduated with this degree at James Madison University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the drama & theater arts program make about $24,306 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $18,500 to complete this degree. Read more about the drama & theater arts program at James Madison University

3

University Of Georgia is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in drama & theater arts, landing the #3 spot this year. University Of Georgia is a very large public school located in the city of Athens. About 90% of students finish within six years. University Of Georgia awarded about 41 drama & theater arts degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their drama & theater arts degree from University Of Georgia earn around $20,762 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $19,399. More information about a degree in drama & theater arts from University Of Georgia

4
University Of Florida crest
University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in drama & theater arts, landing the #4 spot this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Gainesville. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 51 drama & theater arts degrees were awarded at University Of Florida in the most recent year. Students who receive their drama & theater arts degree from University Of Florida earn around $25,453 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $15,142. Get the full drama & theater arts details for University Of Florida

5
Belmont University crest
Belmont University
Nashville, TN

Belmont University came in at #5 on our 2027 list of the best drama & theater arts schools. Belmont University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Nashville. The six-year graduation rate is 70%. There were roughly 28 drama & theater arts students who graduated with this degree at Belmont University in the most recent data year. Drama & Theater Arts graduates of Belmont University earn a median of $49,699 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $23,447. Read more about the drama & theater arts program at Belmont University

6

University Of Central Florida earned the #6 position for drama & theater arts this year. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Orlando. About 78% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 104 drama & theater arts students who graduated with this degree at University Of Central Florida in the most recent data year. Students who receive their drama & theater arts degree from University Of Central Florida earn around $38,810 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $21,585 to complete this degree. See the full drama & theater arts program report for University Of Central Florida

7
Florida State University crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL

Florida State University earned the #7 position for drama & theater arts this year. Located in the city of Tallahassee, Florida State University is a very large public university. Florida State University graduates 86% of students within six years. There were roughly 88 drama & theater arts students who graduated with this degree at Florida State University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their drama & theater arts degree from Florida State University earn around $25,359 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $21,000. More information about a degree in drama & theater arts from Florida State University

8

Elon University earned the #8 position for drama & theater arts this year. Located in the suburb of Elon, Elon University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. About 84% of students finish within six years. About 33 drama & theater arts degrees were awarded at Elon University in the most recent year. Drama & Theater Arts graduates of Elon University earn a median of $24,345 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $21,619 to complete this degree. Read more about the drama & theater arts program at Elon University

9

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University ranked #9 on our 2027 list of the best drama & theater arts schools. Located in the city of Blacksburg, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. About 23 drama & theater arts degrees were awarded at Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University in the most recent year. Students who receive their drama & theater arts degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University earn around $36,557 in the first couple years of their career. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University graduates carry a median of $24,637 in student loans. Read more about the drama & theater arts program at Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

10
Samford University crest
Samford University
Birmingham, AL

Samford University ranked #10 on our 2027 list of the best drama & theater arts schools. Set in the suburb of Birmingham, Samford University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. About 77% of students finish within six years. About 13 drama & theater arts degrees were awarded at Samford University in the most recent year. Students who receive their drama & theater arts degree from Samford University earn around $64,132 in the first couple years of their career. Samford University graduates carry a median of $21,039 in student loans. See the full drama & theater arts program report for Samford University

11

Virginia Commonwealth University came in at #11 for drama & theater arts this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Richmond. The six-year graduation rate is 63%. There were roughly 64 drama & theater arts students who graduated with this degree at Virginia Commonwealth University in the most recent data year. Drama & Theater Arts graduates of Virginia Commonwealth University earn a median of $22,447 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $21,875. Get the full drama & theater arts details for Virginia Commonwealth University

12

University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts earned the #12 position for drama & theater arts this year. Located in the city of Winston Salem, University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts is a small public university. Roughly 78% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts awarded about 109 drama & theater arts degrees in the most recent data year. Drama & Theater Arts graduates of University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts earn a median of $24,420 early in their careers. University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts graduates carry a median of $24,592 in student loans. More information about a degree in drama & theater arts from University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts

13

George Mason University came in at #13 for drama & theater arts this year. Set in the suburb of Fairfax, George Mason University is a very large public institution. George Mason University graduates 68% of students within six years. There were roughly 18 drama & theater arts students who graduated with this degree at George Mason University in the most recent data year. Drama & Theater Arts graduates of George Mason University earn a median of $22,984 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in drama & theater arts from George Mason University

14
Auburn University crest
Auburn University
Auburn, AL

Auburn University earned the #14 position for drama & theater arts this year. Set in the city of Auburn, Auburn University is a very large public institution. Roughly 82% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 10 drama & theater arts students who graduated with this degree at Auburn University in the most recent data year. Drama & Theater Arts graduates of Auburn University earn a median of $20,899 early in their careers. Auburn University graduates carry a median of $23,141 in student loans. More information about a degree in drama & theater arts from Auburn University

15
University Of Arkansas crest
University Of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR

University Of Arkansas placed #15 among the best drama & theater arts schools. Set in the city of Fayetteville, University Of Arkansas is a very large public institution. About 70% of students finish within six years. About 15 drama & theater arts degrees were awarded at University Of Arkansas in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, drama & theater arts degree recipients from University Of Arkansas generally make around $25,499. University Of Arkansas graduates carry a median of $24,019 in student loans. See the full drama & theater arts program report for University Of Arkansas

16
University Of Miami crest
University Of Miami
Coral Gables, FL

University Of Miami came in at #16 for drama & theater arts this year. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Coral Gables. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 18 drama & theater arts students who graduated with this degree at University Of Miami in the most recent data year. Students who receive their drama & theater arts degree from University Of Miami earn around $16,561 in the first couple years of their career. University Of Miami graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. Get the full drama & theater arts details for University Of Miami

17

University Of South Carolina Columbia ranked #17 on our 2027 list of the best drama & theater arts schools. Set in the city of Columbia, University Of South Carolina Columbia is a very large public institution. Roughly 79% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of South Carolina Columbia awarded about 20 drama & theater arts degrees in the most recent data year. Drama & Theater Arts graduates of University Of South Carolina Columbia earn a median of $53,623 early in their careers. University Of South Carolina Columbia graduates carry a median of $24,537 in student loans. More information about a degree in drama & theater arts from University Of South Carolina Columbia

18

The University Of Tennessee placed #18 among the best drama & theater arts schools. The University Of Tennessee is a very large public school located in the city of Knoxville. The six-year graduation rate is 74%. The University Of Tennessee awarded about 26 drama & theater arts degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, drama & theater arts degree recipients from The University Of Tennessee generally make around $21,189. The University Of Tennessee graduates carry a median of $22,859 in student loans. Get the full drama & theater arts details for The University Of Tennessee

19

University Of Mississippi Main Campus placed #19 among the best drama & theater arts schools. University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a very large public school located in the town of University. The six-year graduation rate is 72%. There were roughly 18 drama & theater arts students who graduated with this degree at University Of Mississippi Main Campus in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, drama & theater arts degree recipients from University Of Mississippi Main Campus generally make around $50,876. Students borrow a median of $22,444 to complete this degree. Read more about the drama & theater arts program at University Of Mississippi Main Campus

20
Lipscomb University crest
Lipscomb University
Nashville, TN

Lipscomb University placed #20 among the best drama & theater arts schools. Lipscomb University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Nashville. About 72% of students finish within six years. Lipscomb University awarded about 21 drama & theater arts degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their drama & theater arts degree from Lipscomb University earn around $48,949 in the first couple years of their career. Lipscomb University graduates carry a median of $23,529 in student loans. See the full drama & theater arts program report for Lipscomb University

21

University Of South Florida Main Campus ranked #21 on our 2027 list of the best drama & theater arts schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Tampa. Roughly 77% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 33 drama & theater arts students who graduated with this degree at University Of South Florida Main Campus in the most recent data year. Graduates of the drama & theater arts program make about $24,732 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $26,849. Read more about the drama & theater arts program at University Of South Florida Main Campus

22

Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College earned the #22 position for drama & theater arts this year. Located in the city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 66%. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College awarded about 37 drama & theater arts degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the drama & theater arts program make about $20,290 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete this degree. Get the full drama & theater arts details for Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College

23

Appalachian State University came in at #23 for drama & theater arts this year. Located in the town of Boone, Appalachian State University is a very large public university. Appalachian State University graduates 74% of students within six years. Appalachian State University awarded about 31 drama & theater arts degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their drama & theater arts degree from Appalachian State University earn around $20,256 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $24,755 to complete this degree. Get the full drama & theater arts details for Appalachian State University

24

University Of Alabama At Birmingham came in at #24 for drama & theater arts this year. Located in the city of Birmingham, University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a very large public university. Roughly 64% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of Alabama At Birmingham awarded about 22 drama & theater arts degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, drama & theater arts degree recipients from University Of Alabama At Birmingham generally make around $26,670. University Of Alabama At Birmingham graduates carry a median of $25,250 in student loans. Get the full drama & theater arts details for University Of Alabama At Birmingham

25

East Carolina University earned the #25 position for drama & theater arts this year. Set in the city of Greenville, East Carolina University is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 63%. There were roughly 29 drama & theater arts students who graduated with this degree at East Carolina University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the drama & theater arts program make about $21,295 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete this degree. See the full drama & theater arts program report for East Carolina 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
27
28
29
30
31
32
College Of Charleston crest
College Of Charleston
Charleston, SC
33
34
35
36
37
Northern Kentucky University crest
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY
38
39
Rollins College crest
Rollins College
Winter Park, FL
40
Liberty University crest
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
41
42
43
Shenandoah University crest
Shenandoah University
Winchester, VA
44
Western Kentucky University crest
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY
45
46
47
48
49
50

View All Drama & Theater Arts Rankings >

Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 77 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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