Best Value Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Colleges in Georgia

University of North Georgia delivers the most affordable drama education in the state at just $10,785 net cost, while Savannah College of Art and Design commands $45,450 for its nationally recognized programs. This $34,665 price gap reflects Georgia's divided theatre market between budget-friendly public options and specialty private institutions. The earnings picture tells an equally complex story, with Georgia College graduates earning $28,598 annually compared to $15,552 at Valdosta State and Spelman College. Georgia's booming film industry, which generated $4.4 billion in economic impact last year, creates opportunities for theatre graduates in Atlanta's production studios and Savannah's historic district venues. Public university students benefit from the HOPE Scholarship covering full tuition for 3.0 GPA holders, making programs like Columbus State's $11,889 total cost even more accessible. The state's 20 programs range from University of Georgia's selective 42% acceptance rate to Shorter University's open-access 97% admission policy.

Programs

$10,145 – $45,450

Net Price Range

$20,378

Avg. Program Earnings

52.1%

Avg. Graduation Rate

27 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Columbus State University Columbus, Georgia	$11,889	$20,482	$5,751	41.7%	87.8%
2	University of Georgia Athens, Georgia	$13,816	$23,340	$11,180	87.2%	42.6%
3	Georgia Southwestern State University Americus, Georgia	$12,052	$20,140	$4,980	31.9%	73.2%
4	University of North Georgia Dahlonega, Georgia	$10,785	$16,663	$5,009	36.8%	69.6%
5	Georgia College & State University Milledgeville, Georgia	$18,809	$28,598	$8,998	61.6%	80.0%
6	Valdosta State University Valdosta, Georgia	$11,298	$15,552	$6,007	41.7%	89.5%
7	Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, Georgia	$16,972	$21,234	$5,786	48.1%	67.9%
8	Georgia Southern University Statesboro, Georgia	$16,531	$16,663	$5,905	52.1%	88.9%
9	Savannah College of Art and Design Savannah, Georgia	$45,450	$25,551	$40,595	70.5%	81.7%
10	Spelman College Atlanta, Georgia	$36,828	$15,552	$30,058	76.1%	28.4%
11	Morehouse College Atlanta, Georgia	$35,949		$31,725	52.7%	60.0%
12	Young Harris College Young Harris, Georgia	$11,008		$32,305	45.7%	77.3%
13	University of West Georgia Carrollton, Georgia	$15,450		$5,971	42.7%	80.1%
14	Wesleyan College Macon, Georgia	$14,528		$27,650	60.6%	66.8%
15	Shorter University Rome, Georgia	$16,286		$24,044	37.1%	97.5%
16	Reinhardt University Waleska, Georgia	$27,769		$28,420	35.6%	62.3%
17	Piedmont University Demorest, Georgia	$20,893		$30,680	41.5%	64.4%
18	Paine College Augusta, Georgia	$15,074		$14,596	21.7%	51.5%
19	Oglethorpe University Atlanta, Georgia	$21,735		$45,806	53.9%	71.0%
20	Agnes Scott College Decatur, Georgia	$24,224		$48,150	70.5%	66.5%
21	Mercer University Macon, Georgia	$22,350		$40,890	73.4%	74.7%
22	LaGrange College Lagrange, Georgia	$17,805		$34,540	41.8%	59.1%
23	Emory University Atlanta, Georgia	$23,911		$60,774	91.8%	11.4%
24	Covenant College Lookout Mountain, Georgia	$24,832		$40,464	71.9%	84.1%
25	Clayton State University Morrow, Georgia	$10,145		$5,068	35.4%	56.3%
26	Brenau University Gainesville, Georgia	$20,786		$33,275	35.4%	86.6%
27	Clark Atlanta University Atlanta, Georgia	$35,115		$26,446	47.8%	56.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge cost difference between Georgia's cheapest and most expensive drama programs?

Public universities like University of North Georgia cost $10,785 while private institutions like Savannah College of Art and Design reach $45,450. The HOPE Scholarship covers tuition at public schools for Georgia residents with 3.0 GPAs, reducing actual costs further. Private colleges offer specialized facilities and industry connections but lack state funding that keeps public tuition low.

How do graduation rates vary across Georgia's theatre programs?

University of Georgia leads with 87.2% graduation rate, followed by Spelman College at 76.1%. Public universities show wide variation, from Georgia College's solid 61.6% to Georgia Southwestern's concerning 31.9%. Private institutions generally outperform publics, with Savannah College of Art and Design achieving 70.5% despite its high cost.

Where do Georgia theatre graduates earn the highest salaries?

Georgia College graduates top earnings at $28,598 annually, significantly above the state average. Savannah College of Art and Design follows at $25,551 despite its premium tuition. University of Georgia produces graduates earning $23,340, while several schools including Valdosta State and Spelman show lower $15,552 figures.

Is the debt load manageable for Georgia drama students?

University of Georgia graduates carry just $15,000 in debt, the lowest among reporting schools. Columbus State and Kennesaw State students face $25,000 and $24,980 respectively. Savannah College of Art and Design students graduate with $27,000 debt, reasonable given the school's $45,450 annual cost and strong industry reputation.

Does admission selectivity correlate with program quality in Georgia?

University of Georgia maintains the most selective admissions at 42.6% acceptance alongside the highest graduation rate at 87.2%. However, Spelman College accepts just 28.4% of applicants but shows earnings of only $15,552. Shorter University accepts 97.5% of students, proving that open access doesn't guarantee poor outcomes with its 37.1% graduation rate.

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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.