2027 Best Value Theater Arts Schools in Michigan

[Theater Arts](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/drama-and-theater-arts/theater-arts/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 6 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value theater arts schools.
What’s on this page:
2027 Best Value Theater Arts Schools in Michigan
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the theater arts degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Theater Arts Schools
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earned the #1 spot for value among theater arts schools in Michigan. Located in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $18,848, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. Typical student debt for theater arts graduates is $20,798. Theater Arts graduates of University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earn a median of $17,577 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,798 median debt. The acceptance rate is 16%.
Oakland University came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value theater arts schools. Set in the suburb of Rochester Hills, Oakland University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,167, with out-of-state students paying around $24,735. Students borrow a median of $26,678 to complete the theater arts program here. Early-career theater arts graduates make about $15,579. That is a strong return on a $26,678 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
Wayne State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in theater arts, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Detroit, Wayne State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,159, compared with $34,650 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,847 to complete the theater arts program here. Early-career theater arts graduates make about $24,569. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in theater arts will find it at Eastern Michigan University, which ranked #4. Eastern Michigan University is a large public school located in the suburb of Ypsilanti. Students from in state pay about $16,990 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for theater arts graduates is $27,492. Theater Arts graduates of Eastern Michigan University earn a median of $47,887 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Eastern Michigan University admits about 80% of applicants.
Central Michigan University came in at #5 on our 2027 list of the best value theater arts schools. Located in the town of Mount Pleasant, Central Michigan University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,480. Students borrow a median of $28,000 to complete the theater arts program here. Early-career theater arts graduates make about $17,962. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%.
Michigan State University ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best value theater arts schools. Set in the city of East Lansing, Michigan State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for theater arts graduates is $22,250. Soon after graduation, theater arts degree recipients from Michigan State University generally make around $17,328. That is a strong return on a $22,250 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.
More Theater Arts Rankings
View All Theater Arts Rankings >
Notes and References
This ranking is produced 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 · 6 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.