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Best Value Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Colleges in Texas

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Texas drama programs show a striking cost-performance divide that mirrors the state's broader economic patterns. Public universities deliver the strongest value proposition, with UT Rio Grande Valley offering the lowest net cost at $6,500 while graduates earn $18,771 annually. The University of Texas at Austin stands out with graduates earning $45,128, nearly triple the earnings of some peer programs, though at a higher net cost of $19,678. Private institutions like Southern Methodist University charge $41,778 but produce graduates earning just $21,508, creating questionable return on investment. Texas's entertainment industry, anchored by Austin's music scene and Dallas-Fort Worth's film production facilities, provides regional opportunities that complement traditional theater markets. The state's 20 programs span from small liberal arts colleges to major research universities, with acceptance rates ranging from UT Austin's selective 31% to more accessible options above 85%. This variety allows students to match their academic credentials with appropriate program rigor while considering long-term financial outcomes.
43
Programs
$6,500 – $41,942
Net Price Range
$24,704
Avg. Program Earnings
53.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

43 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,500 $18,771 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
2 $19,678 $45,128 $11,678 87.6% 31.4%
3 $20,071 $38,289 $11,852 67.5% 67.3%
4 $14,352 $27,126 $11,164 59.6% 79.1%
5 $16,025 $27,947 $9,228 55.1% 84.6%
6 $15,152 $24,730 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
7 $16,438 $24,035 $11,450 56.2% 87.7%
8 $20,841 $29,685 $9,101 47.3% 91.6%
9 $20,924 $28,960 $13,099 83.8% 62.7%
10 $15,137 $20,140 $9,748 33.7% 88.0%
11 $13,853 $16,478 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
12 $23,636 $23,649 $51,384 64.2% 85.1%
13 $15,235 $14,935 $11,728 56.5% 80.8%
14 $22,587 $21,052 $34,920 55.2% 91.8%
15 $41,778 $21,508 $64,460 83.3% 52.3%
16 $33,531 $16,940 $57,220 85.6% 56.1%
17 $41,942 $20,596 $54,844 80.2% 45.9%
18 $27,468 $51,058 69.3% 44.8%
19 $18,762 $33,660 68.6% 96.7%
20 $20,261 $7,878 51.2% 87.1%
21 $10,726 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
22 $19,734 $9,173 19.9% 96.8%
23 $19,398 $37,934 32.4% 60.9%
24 $10,948 $8,648 44.2% 93.6%
25 $23,650 $51,352 81.9% 30.5%
26 $20,540 $23,186 19.2% 69.7%
27 $20,498 $35,660 51.8% 94.2%
28 $12,915 $8,319 40.7% 79.1%
29 $23,451 $46,500 69.5% 54.4%
30 $25,470 $50,880 68.0% 58.7%
31 $23,790 $30,050 48.0% 67.7%
32 $11,268 $10,026 45.9% 86.5%
33 $21,031 $31,686 49.6% 88.3%
34 $19,710 $38,100 49.8% 84.5%
35 $25,255 $33,322 31.1% 62.3%
36 $19,655 $18,610 35.5% 85.7%
37 $11,429 $8,690 37.2% 83.7%
38 $19,988 $31,372 38.6% 56.5%
39 $11,882 $10,310 41.3% 92.4%
40 $17,760 $31,728 42.4%
41 $14,041 $11,299 43.2% 76.1%
42 $27,401 $42,380 60.2% 65.8%
43 $20,410 $37,396 43.7% 85.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive earnings gap between top and bottom programs?

UT Austin graduates earn $45,128 annually compared to UT Arlington's $14,935, a $30,193 difference that reflects program quality and alumni networks. Austin's thriving arts scene and proximity to entertainment industry jobs create more lucrative opportunities. The top-earning programs also tend to have stronger industry connections and internship programs. Geographic location plays a important role, with urban markets offering higher-paying positions.

How do public universities compare to private ones for value?

Public universities dominate the value equation, with 11 of the top 12 most affordable programs being state institutions. UT Rio Grande Valley offers the best value at $6,500 net cost, while private schools like SMU charge $41,778 for comparable or lower earnings. Even mid-tier publics like Texas State ($16,438) provide better financial outcomes than most private alternatives. The in-state tuition advantage makes public schools particularly attractive for Texas residents.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost or earnings?

Higher-cost programs generally show better graduation rates, with UT Austin leading at 87.6% and SMU at 83.3%. However, some affordable options like Texas Tech achieve 67.5% graduation rates at just $20,071 net cost. UT Rio Grande Valley's 49.3% rate reflects its open-access mission rather than program quality. The correlation between cost and completion is stronger than between earnings and graduation rates.

Where do Texas drama graduates find the best job opportunities?

Austin and Dallas-Fort Worth offer the strongest job markets, with Austin's live music venues and DFW's film production creating varied opportunities. Houston's theater district and emerging entertainment sector provide additional options for graduates. Regional theaters throughout Texas, from San Antonio to El Paso, offer entry-level positions. The state's growing entertainment industry, including streaming content production, expands traditional theater career paths.

Is debt load manageable across Texas drama programs?

Most programs maintain reasonable debt levels, with the median around $22,000 for graduates. UT Arlington shows the lowest debt at $18,833, while Stephen F Austin reaches $24,114. Private schools like Saint Edward's impose higher debt burdens at $26,000 despite their higher sticker prices. Debt-to-income ratios remain concerning at several programs, particularly where earnings fall below $25,000 annually.

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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.