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Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

The most affordable theatre training in America comes with a remarkable earnings surprise. While most Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs under $20,000 produce graduates earning $14,627 to $38,829 annually, CUNY New York City College of Technology stands out with the highest post-graduation earnings of $38,829 despite having just a 19.40% graduation rate. The CUNY system dominates affordable theatre education, claiming seven of the top spots with net costs ranging from $2,446 to $5,115. New York's theatre industry employs over 87,000 people across Broadway, off-Broadway, regional theatre, and film production, creating multiple career pathways beyond traditional stage performance. California State universities also provide strong value, with Cal State Fullerton achieving a 69.20% graduation rate at $5,646 net cost. These programs prepare students for careers in performance, technical theatre, arts administration, and the growing digital content creation industry that increasingly values theatrical training for virtual productions and streaming platforms.
50
Programs
$2,446 – $9,918
Net Price Range
$21,029
Avg. Program Earnings
47.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,446 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
2 $2,943 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
3 $3,482 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
4 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
5 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
6 $3,830 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
7 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
8 $4,483 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
9 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
10 $4,627 $4,656 49.2%
11 $4,783 $7,332 19.4% 81.8%
12 $5,115 $7,490 32.8%
13 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
14 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
15 $5,671 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
16 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
17 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
18 $5,920 $4,706 38.1%
19 $5,970 $8,179 36.9% 80.3%
20 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
21 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
22 $6,199 $6,863 39.8% 27.6%
23 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
24 $6,352 $7,200 33.3% 74.2%
25 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
26 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
27 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
28 $6,507 $5,324 52.5% 51.6%
29 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
30 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
31 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
32 $7,360 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
33 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
34 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
35 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
36 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
37 $8,364 $8,179 35.7% 86.9%
38 $8,463 $6,270 40.7%
39 $8,543 $9,000 36.3% 56.3%
40 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
41 $8,896 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
42 $8,916 $12,252 61.4% 82.0%
43 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
44 $9,055 $8,454 48.3% 98.5%
45 $9,110 $14,288 61.9% 77.7%
46 $9,121 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
47 $9,133 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
48 $9,477 $11,320 19.6% 57.5%
49 $9,634 $8,640 36.7%
50 $9,918 $3,571 44.5% 89.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY theatre programs so affordable compared to other colleges?

CUNY schools benefit from New York State funding that keeps in-state tuition around $7,400 annually. Hunter College offers the lowest net cost at $2,446, while Brooklyn College costs just $2,943 after aid. Seven CUNY campuses appear in the most affordable theatre programs nationally. The system serves over 270,000 students across New York City's five boroughs.

How do graduation rates vary between the cheapest theatre programs?

Graduation rates span from 19.30% at Ohio University-Southern Campus to 69.20% at Cal State Fullerton. CUNY Hunter College achieves a solid 61.00% graduation rate while maintaining the lowest net cost. Brooklyn College graduates 56.60% of students at under $3,000 net cost. Community colleges like Owensboro show 49.20% completion rates for two-year programs.

Is Berea College worth the higher cost for theatre students?

Berea College costs $4,483 net despite a $49,326 sticker price due to its work-study program where all students work on campus. The college accepts only 24.58% of applicants and graduates 62.00% of theatre students. Alumni earn $19,227 annually after graduation. Berea provides free tuition to students from low-income families in exchange for campus work commitments.

Does location affect earnings potential for affordable theatre program graduates?

New York-based CUNY programs show the widest earnings range, from $16,015 at Hunter to $38,829 at NYC College of Technology. California graduates earn between $14,627 and $23,803 annually depending on the campus. Queens College graduates average $23,649, reflecting the borough's proximity to Manhattan's entertainment industry. Regional campuses in Ohio and Kentucky typically offer lower starting salaries but also lower living costs.

Where can theatre students find the best value combination of cost and outcomes?

CUNY Brooklyn College delivers strong value with $2,943 net cost, 56.60% graduation rate, and $19,455 average earnings. Cal State Fullerton offers the highest graduation rate at 69.20% for $5,646 net cost. Queens College combines moderate cost ($3,830) with the second-highest earnings at $23,649. Hunter College provides the absolute lowest cost but moderate outcomes across all metrics.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.