Best Value Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Colleges in Colorado

Colorado's theater programs show a striking cost-benefit divide, with Adams State University offering the lowest net price at $14,173 while University of Colorado Boulder graduates earn just $22,999 despite costing $21,480. The state's growing film and television production industry, bolstered by tax incentives that have attracted Netflix and other major studios to Colorado, creates opportunities for theater graduates beyond traditional stage work. Metropolitan State University of Denver stands out with strong graduate earnings of $30,771 at a reasonable $14,294 net cost, while acceptance rates across the state range from Colorado College's selective 16.30% to Adams State's open-access 99.18%.

Programs

$14,173 – $36,037

Net Price Range

$27,264

Avg. Program Earnings

55.1%

Avg. Graduation Rate

10 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Metropolitan State University of Denver Denver, Colorado	$14,294	$30,771	$10,780	29.9%	97.9%
2	University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus Denver, Colorado	$19,133	$32,925	$10,017	47.4%	74.6%
3	University of Northern Colorado Greeley, Colorado	$18,457	$29,202	$12,010	51.3%	78.5%
4	Colorado Mesa University Grand Junction, Colorado	$15,331	$23,649	$9,712	41.5%	81.8%
5	Colorado State University-Fort Collins Fort Collins, Colorado	$20,332	$24,035	$12,896	66.9%	90.8%
6	University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, Colorado	$21,480	$22,999	$16,430	75.0%	80.7%
7	Adams State University Alamosa, Colorado	$14,173		$9,776	31.6%	99.2%
8	Colorado College Colorado Springs, Colorado	$31,678		$67,932	86.0%	16.3%
9	University of Denver Denver, Colorado	$36,037		$59,340	78.0%	77.7%
10	Fort Lewis College Durango, Colorado	$17,339		$9,670	43.1%	91.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide earnings gap between Colorado theater programs?

University of Colorado Denver graduates earn $32,925 annually while Boulder graduates make $22,999, despite both being state schools. Program focus and alumni networks in different markets likely drive these differences, with Denver's urban theater scene offering more commercial opportunities.

How do public versus private theater programs compare on value in Colorado?

Public programs show better value ratios, with net costs ranging from $14,173 to $21,480 compared to private schools at $31,678 to $36,037. Colorado College achieves 86% graduation rates but comes with significantly higher costs than public alternatives.

Is the University of Northern Colorado worth the higher cost for theater students?

UNC charges $18,457 net price but delivers 51.30% graduation rates and $29,202 earnings. This represents solid value compared to Boulder's higher cost and lower earnings, making it a middle-ground option for serious theater students.

Where do Colorado theater graduates find the best job prospects?

Denver-area programs like Metropolitan State and UC Denver show higher earnings at $30,771 and $32,925 respectively. The city's expanding film production industry and established theater scene provide more career paths than smaller Colorado markets.

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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.