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2023 Best Value Colleges for Theater Arts (Income $48-$75k) in California

31 Ranked Colleges
1,941 Degrees Awarded
Best Value Theater Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k

When pursuing a degree in today’s world, students have many different options to choose from. College Factual was founded, in part, to help students make the decision as to what would be the best school for them. Our “Best Value Theater Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k” ranking is part of that endeavor.

In 2020-2021, 11,385 people earned their degree in theater arts, making the major the 70th most popular in the United States.

Across California, there were 1,941 theater arts graduates with average earnings and debt of $0 and $0 respectively.

For this year’s “Best Value Theater Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k” ranking, we looked at 31 colleges that offer a degree in theater arts. This ranking identifies schools with high-quality theater arts programs that also have a lower cost than schools of similar quality.

Some of the factors we look at when determining these rankings are overall quality of the theater arts program at the school and the cost of the school after aid is awarded among other things. See our ranking methodology to learn more.

More Ways to Rank Theater Arts Schools

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When choosing the right school for you, it’s important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we’ve created a number of major-specific rankings, including this “Best Value Theater Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k” list to help you make the college decision.

In addition to our rankings, you can take two colleges and compare them based on the criteria that matters most to you in our unique tool, College Combat. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don’t forget it.

Best Value Theater Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k

The following schools top our list of the Best Best Value Theater Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k.

Top 25 Best Value Colleges for Theater Arts (Income $48-$75k) in California

1

Out of the 31 schools in the Best Value Theater Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of California - Berkeley landed the #1 spot on the list. UC Berkeley is located in Berkeley, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 41 ’s theater degrees to qualified students.

In addition to being on our california theater students whose families make $48-$75k list, UC Berkeley has also earned the #2 rank in our “Best Theater Arts Schools in California” ranking. The yearly cost to attend UC Berkeley is $13,423 for california theater students whose families make $48-$75k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.8%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 96%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Read full report on Theater Arts at UC Berkeley

2

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of California - Los Angeles. The school came in at #2 for the Best Value Theater Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k. UCLA is a large public school situated in Los Angeles, California. It awarded 87 ’s theater degrees in 2020-2021.

UCLA also took the #4 spot in our “Best Theater Arts Schools in California” ranking. The yearly cost to attend University of California - Los Angeles is $12,644 for California Theater students whose families make $48-$75k.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 96%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.6%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full University of California - Los Angeles Theater Arts Report

3

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend California State University - Fullerton. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Value Theater Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k list. This large school is located in Fullerton, California, and it awarded 113 ’s theater degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Cal State Fullerton, the school also landed the #10 spot in our “Best Theater Arts Schools in California” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for California State University - Fullerton is $9,017 for california theater students whose families make $48-$75k.

With a freshman retention rate of 89%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.5% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read more about Theater Arts at California State University - Fullerton

4

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of California - Irvine. The school came in at #4 for the Best Value Theater Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k. Irvine, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s theater degrees to 117 students in 2020-2021.

UC Irvine did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #6 on our “Best Theater Arts Schools in California” list. It costs about $13,275 for California Theater students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend University of California - Irvine.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 94%. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.4%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Theater Arts at University of California - Irvine

5

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend California State University - Los Angeles. The school came in at #5 for the Best Value Theater Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k. Los Angeles, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s theater degrees to 37 students in 2020-2021.

Cal State LA also took the #22 spot in our “Best Theater Arts Schools in California” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for California State University - Los Angeles is $5,700 for california theater students whose families make $48-$75k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.6% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Full Cal State LA Theater Arts Report

6

University of California - San Diego landed the #6 spot on the 2023 Best Value Theater Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. UCSD is a large school located in La Jolla, California that handed out 43 ’s theater degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UCSD, the school also landed the #7 spot in our “Best Theater Arts Schools in California” ranking. It costs about $14,310 for California Theater students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend University of California - San Diego.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 94%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.0% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read full report on Theater Arts at University of California - San Diego

7

With a ranking of #7, University of California - Davis did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Theater Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k list. University of California - Davis is a large public school situated in Davis, California. It awarded 24 ’s theater degrees in 2020-2021.

UC Davis did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #8 on our “Best Theater Arts Schools in California” list. The estimated yearly cost for University of California - Davis is $14,193 for California Theater students whose families make $48-$75k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.5%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 93%.

Read full report on Theater Arts at University of California - Davis

8
USC crest
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California

University of Southern California came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Theater Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. USC is a private not-for-profit institution located in Los Angeles, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 48 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

USC also took the #1 spot in our “Best Theater Arts Schools in California” ranking. The yearly cost to attend University of Southern California is $22,826 for california theater students whose families make $48-$75k.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 91%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. Since the school has a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 9 to 1, those pursuing a degree will have more opportunities to interact with their professors. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 1.3%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Theater Arts at USC

9

California State University - Long Beach landed the #9 spot on the 2023 Best Value Theater Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. California State University - Long Beach is a large public school situated in Long Beach, California. It awarded 81 ’s theater degrees in 2020-2021.

CSULB also took the #15 spot in our “Best Theater Arts Schools in California” ranking. The yearly cost to attend California State University - Long Beach is $11,189 for California Theater students whose families make $48-$75k.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 89%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.4%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Theater Arts at CSULB

10

California State University - Fresno ranked #10 on this year’s Best Value Theater Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k list. Fresno State is a public institution located in Fresno, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 23 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Fresno State also took the #23 spot in our “Best Theater Arts Schools in California” ranking. The yearly cost to attend California State University - Fresno is $8,030 for California Theater students whose families make $48-$75k.

With a freshman retention rate of 87%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.2%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Theater Arts at California State University - Fresno

11

California State University - San Bernardino ranked #11 on this year’s Best Value Theater Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k list. CSUSB is a fairly large public school situated in San Bernardino, California. It awarded 25 ’s theater degrees in 2020-2021.

CSUSB did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #20 on our “Best Theater Arts Schools in California” list. It costs about $9,854 for California Theater students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend California State University - San Bernardino.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 4.0%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 85%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Full CSUSB Theater Arts Report

12

University of California - Santa Barbara did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Theater Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #12. Located in Santa Barbara, California, this large public school handed out 36 diplomas to qualified ’s theater students in 2020-2021.

UCSB also made our “Best Theater Arts Schools in California” list, coming in at #9. The yearly cost to attend UCSB is $14,583 for california theater students whose families make $48-$75k.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 91%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 1.8%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full University of California - Santa Barbara Theater Arts Report

13

With a ranking of #13, California State University - Northridge did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Theater Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k list. Northridge, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s theater degrees to 62 students in 2020-2021.

CSUN also made our “Best Theater Arts Schools in California” list, coming in at #17. The yearly cost to attend CSUN is $10,780 for California Theater students whose families make $48-$75k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.7%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full California State University - Northridge Theater Arts Report

14
SDSU crest
San Diego State University
San Diego, California

San Diego State University came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Theater Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. SDSU is a public institution located in San Diego, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 64 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

SDSU also took the #12 spot in our “Best Theater Arts Schools in California” ranking. It costs about $14,698 for california theater students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend SDSU.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 89%. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.2% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Full San Diego State University Theater Arts Report

15

With a ranking of #15, California State University - Dominguez Hills did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Theater Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k list. California State University - Dominguez Hills is located in Carson, California and, has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 19 ’s theater degrees to qualified students.

The yearly cost to attend California State University - Dominguez Hills is $6,333 for California Theater students whose families make $48-$75k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 4.1%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full CSUDH Theater Arts Report

16

University of California - Santa Cruz did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Theater Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #16. University of California - Santa Cruz is located in Santa Cruz, California and, has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 36 ’s theater degrees to qualified students.

UC Santa Cruz did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #13 on our “Best Theater Arts Schools in California” list. The estimated yearly cost for University of California - Santa Cruz is $15,567 for california theater students whose families make $48-$75k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.9%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 85%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Full University of California - Santa Cruz Theater Arts Report

17

California State University - Sacramento ranked #17 on this year’s Best Value Theater Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k list. Sacramento, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s theater degrees to 28 students in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our california theater students whose families make $48-$75k list, Sac State has also earned the #24 rank in our “Best Theater Arts Schools in California” ranking. The yearly cost to attend California State University - Sacramento is $12,602 for California Theater students whose families make $48-$75k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.9%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Theater Arts at Sac State

18

With a ranking of #18, California State Polytechnic University - Pomona did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Theater Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k list. California State Polytechnic University - Pomona is located in Pomona, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 34 ’s theater degrees to qualified students.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Cal Poly Pomona, the school also landed the #18 spot in our “Best Theater Arts Schools in California” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for California State Polytechnic University - Pomona is $15,958 for California Theater students whose families make $48-$75k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.6%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 87%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Read full report on Theater Arts at California State Polytechnic University - Pomona

19
San Jose State crest
San Jose State University
San Jose, California

With a ranking of #19, San Jose State University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Theater Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k list. This large school is located in San Jose, California, and it awarded 16 ’s theater degrees in 2020-2021.

San Jose State did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #14 on our “Best Theater Arts Schools in California” list. The yearly cost to attend San Jose State is $17,338 for California Theater students whose families make $48-$75k.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 86%. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.9%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full San Jose State Theater Arts Report

20
SFSU crest
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, California

With a ranking of #20, San Francisco State University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Theater Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k list. This large school is located in San Francisco, California, and it awarded 56 ’s theater degrees in 2020-2021.

SFSU did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #16 on our “Best Theater Arts Schools in California” list. The estimated yearly cost for San Francisco State University is $16,065 for California Theater students whose families make $48-$75k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 4.3%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full San Francisco State University Theater Arts Report

21

California State University - Stanislaus did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Theater Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #21. This fairly large school is located in Turlock, California, and it awarded 6 ’s theater degrees in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend Stan State is $7,976 for california theater students whose families make $48-$75k.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 87%. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.3%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full Stan State Theater Arts Report

22

California State University - East Bay landed the #22 spot on the 2023 Best Value Theater Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. California State University - East Bay is a fairly large public school situated in Hayward, California. It awarded 14 ’s theater degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our california theater students whose families make $48-$75k list, Cal State East Bay has also earned the #25 rank in our “Best Theater Arts Schools in California” ranking. It costs about $15,615 for California Theater students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend Cal State East Bay.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 4.4%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Theater Arts at California State University - East Bay

23

California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo landed the #23 spot on the 2023 Best Value Theater Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo is a large school located in San Luis Obispo, California that handed out 13 ’s theater degrees in 2020-2021.

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #11 on our “Best Theater Arts Schools in California” list. The yearly cost to attend California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo is $17,340 for california theater students whose families make $48-$75k.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 94%. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 0.7% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read full report on Theater Arts at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

24
SSU crest
Sonoma State University
Rohnert Park, California

Sonoma State University landed the #24 spot on the 2023 Best Value Theater Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Located in Rohnert Park, California, this medium-sized public school awarded 21 diplomas to qualified ’s theater students in 2020-2021.

SSU not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #19 on our “Best Theater Arts Schools in California” list. It costs about $17,985 for california theater students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend Sonoma State University.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.9% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read more about Theater Arts at SSU

25

California State University - Chico came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Theater Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Chico State is located in Chico, California and, has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 8 ’s theater degrees to qualified students.

The yearly cost to attend California State University - Chico is $16,738 for california theater students whose families make $48-$75k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 4.0%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Theater Arts at California State University - Chico

Notes and References

References

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