by our College Data Analytics Team
[Theater Arts](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/drama-and-theater-arts/theater-arts/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. 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 theater arts students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the theater arts degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is Snow College, our #1 best value for theater arts in Utah. Snow College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Ephraim. Students from in state pay about $4,338 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,288. Typical student debt for theater arts graduates is $10,440. Theater Arts graduates of Snow College earn a median of $42,776 early in their careers. Set against $10,440 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Utah Valley University came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value theater arts schools. Located in the city of Orem, Utah Valley University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $6,507 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,489. Typical student debt for theater arts graduates is $16,510. Theater Arts graduates of Utah Valley University earn a median of $23,896 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,510 median debt.
Salt Lake Community College came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value theater arts schools. Salt Lake Community College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Salt Lake City. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,426, compared with $14,244 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for theater arts graduates is $10,855. Soon after graduation, theater arts degree recipients from Salt Lake Community College generally make around $42,031. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Weber State University came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value theater arts schools. Weber State University is a very large public school located in the city of Ogden. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,557, compared with $17,545 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,176 to complete the theater arts program here. Theater Arts graduates of Weber State University earn a median of $53,920 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,176 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southern Utah University earned it the #5 place for 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. Students borrow a median of $19,284 to complete the theater arts program here. Soon after graduation, 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 placed #6 among the best values for theater arts. Utah State University is a very large public school located in the city of Logan. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,560, with out-of-state students paying around $24,993. Typical student debt for theater arts graduates is $15,601. Early-career theater arts graduates make about $23,341. Set against $15,601 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%.
Brigham Young University Provo landed the #7 spot for theater arts value this year. Located in the city of Provo, Brigham Young University Provo is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for theater arts graduates is $22,904. Soon after graduation, theater arts degree recipients from Brigham Young University Provo generally make around $21,047. That is a strong return on a $22,904 median debt. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants.
University Of Utah landed the #8 spot for theater arts value this year. Located in the city of Salt Lake City, University Of Utah is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,620 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. Typical student debt for theater arts graduates is $20,316. Soon after graduation, theater arts degree recipients from University Of Utah generally make around $20,701. That is a strong return on a $20,316 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, 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.