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Berea College stands out among Kentucky's 19 drama programs with a net price of just $4,483 despite its $49,326 sticker price, making quality theater education surprisingly affordable. The state's drama graduates earn between $15,182 and $22,055, with Northern Kentucky University leading at $22,055. Kentucky's entertainment industry connects to Louisville's growing film scene and the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, while bourbon tourism creates opportunities for historical interpretation and dinner theater productions. Public universities dominate the affordable end, with seven schools offering net prices under $11,000. However, earnings don't always correlate with cost, as Murray State's $9,121 program produces the lowest graduate earnings at $15,182. The 48-point graduation rate spread from 40% to 85% suggests program quality varies significantly across institutions.
19
Programs
$4,483 – $36,431
Net Price Range
$19,059
Avg. Program Earnings
55.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

19 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,483 $19,227 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
2 $7,168 $22,055 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
3 $10,916 $21,052 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
4 $9,121 $15,182 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
5 $17,218 $17,779 $13,212 69.9% 94.9%
6 $36,431 $33,393 52.6% 68.6%
7 $4,627 $4,656 49.2%
8 $23,560 $44,980 69.8% 90.8%
9 $20,701 $38,400 40.1% 94.2%
10 $10,089 $9,838 47.7% 84.0%
11 $17,634 $12,828 60.7% 81.5%
12 $20,428 $33,640 65.0% 78.7%
13 $13,485 $42,010 47.5% 71.5%
14 $11,286 $9,875 46.2% 83.0%
15 $21,497 $50,550 85.3% 62.9%
16 $5,920 $4,706 38.1%
17 $18,246 $26,990 47.1%
18 $14,626 $30,450 46.0% 50.4%
19 $23,587 $47,180 67.7% 87.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Berea College's drama program such an strong value?

Berea College offers the lowest net price at $4,483 while maintaining a 62% graduation rate and $19,227 average earnings. The school's work-study model and generous financial aid bring the true cost down from $49,326. This represents the best value proposition among Kentucky's private drama programs, with graduates earning middle-range salaries despite paying minimal tuition.

How do public university drama programs compare for affordability?

Kentucky's public drama programs range from Murray State's $9,121 net cost to University of Kentucky's $17,218. Northern Kentucky University offers the best earnings potential at $22,055 with a reasonable $7,168 net price. Western Kentucky University provides a middle ground at $10,916 net cost with $21,052 average earnings and a solid 53.7% graduation rate.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Kentucky drama schools?

Centre College achieves an 85.3% graduation rate but costs $21,497 net, while affordable options like Murray State (59.5%) and Western Kentucky (53.7%) maintain respectable completion rates. Thomas More University shows the weakest performance with just 40.1% graduating despite a $20,701 net cost. The data suggests that higher-priced programs don't guarantee better completion rates.

Where do Kentucky drama graduates find the best earning potential?

Northern Kentucky University graduates lead with $22,055 average earnings, followed closely by Western Kentucky at $21,052. Murray State produces the lowest earners at $15,182 despite reasonable program costs. The relatively narrow earnings range of $6,873 suggests Kentucky's regional job market provides fairly consistent opportunities regardless of which school students attend.

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