2026 Best Value Theater Design & Technology Schools in the Southwest Region

1

Mesa Community College
Mesa, AZ

Mesa Community College earned the #1 spot for value among theater design & technology schools in the Southwest Region. Located in the city of Mesa, Mesa Community College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for theater design & technology graduates is $13,750. Early-career theater design & technology graduates make about $54,730. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

Paradise Valley Community College
Phoenix, AZ

Paradise Valley Community College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value theater design & technology schools. Paradise Valley Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Phoenix. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Students borrow a median of $14,204 to complete the theater design & technology program here. Soon after graduation, theater design & technology degree recipients from Paradise Valley Community College generally make around $71,136. Set against $14,204 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

3

Scottsdale Community College
Scottsdale, AZ

Scottsdale Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in theater design & technology, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the rural area of Scottsdale, Scottsdale Community College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,358, with out-of-state students paying around $8,959. Students borrow a median of $13,084 to complete the theater design & technology program here. Theater Design & Technology graduates of Scottsdale Community College earn a median of $48,039 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4

University Of Arizona
Tucson, AZ

A rank of #4 makes University Of Arizona one of the best values for theater design & technology. Set in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for theater design & technology graduates is $23,725. Soon after graduation, theater design & technology degree recipients from University Of Arizona generally make around $26,048. That is a strong return on a $23,725 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.

5

University Of New Mexico Main Campus
Albuquerque, NM

University Of New Mexico Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in theater design & technology, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Albuquerque, University Of New Mexico Main Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,140 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,060 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,905 to complete the theater design & technology program here. Theater Design & Technology graduates of University Of New Mexico Main Campus earn a median of $17,964 early in their careers. Set against $23,905 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of New Mexico Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants.

6

University Of Central Oklahoma
Edmond, OK

University Of Central Oklahoma landed the #6 spot for theater design & technology value this year. Located in the suburb of Edmond, University Of Central Oklahoma is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $8,818 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,704 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,321 to complete the theater design & technology program here. Early-career theater design & technology graduates make about $17,272. Set against $23,321 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.

7

Oklahoma City University
Oklahoma City, OK

Oklahoma City University earned the #7 position for value in theater design & technology this year. Located in the city of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma City University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,754. Theater Design & Technology graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career theater design & technology graduates make about $20,696. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.

8

Baylor University
Waco, TX

Baylor University came in at #8 for value in theater design & technology this year. Baylor University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Waco. Students from in state pay about $58,100 in tuition and fees. Theater Design & Technology graduates carry a median of $24,130 in student loans. Early-career theater design & technology graduates make about $20,267. Set against $24,130 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Baylor University admits about 51% of applicants.