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Cheapest Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Colleges in Kansas

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Central Christian College of Kansas charges just $12,473 net price for its Drama/Theatre Arts program, making it the most affordable option in Kansas by a significant margin. Public universities like Washburn and Wichita State follow at $13,046 and $13,776 respectively, while private schools can cost nearly double with some reaching $27,477 annually. Kansas theater graduates earn an average of $22,192 according to available data, which aligns reasonably well with the state's lower cost of living. The state's growing arts scene benefits from venues like the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City and regional theaters throughout Topeka and Wichita. Public universities dominate the affordability rankings, with four of the five cheapest programs offered by state institutions that serve both in-state and out-of-state students seeking quality theater training without excessive debt.
17
Programs
$12,473 – $29,520
Net Price Range
$22,192
Avg. Program Earnings
47.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

17 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,473 $21,000 23.0%
2 $13,046 $9,578 52.6%
3 $13,776 $9,322 51.4% 94.9%
4 $15,702 $7,356 54.3% 95.7%
5 $17,365 $11,700 68.8% 87.8%
6 $17,883 $10,942 70.5% 95.1%
7 $19,045 $35,500 53.8% 51.0%
8 $19,868 $35,050 32.9% 52.7%
9 $22,403 $32,200 29.0% 61.1%
10 $22,500 $33,900 59.4% 91.8%
11 $23,335 $33,890 44.1% 81.9%
12 $23,369 $33,470 38.5% 69.6%
13 $24,837 $35,162 52.0% 65.9%
14 $27,310 $38,480 33.5% 70.2%
15 $27,477 $34,800 65.1% 98.8%
16 $29,203 $31,946 28.7% 66.0%
17 $29,520 $36,120 46.2% 66.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Central Christian College of Kansas so much cheaper than other theater programs?

Central Christian College charges $12,473 net price, nearly $500 less than the next cheapest option. As a private nonprofit institution, it likely offers substantial financial aid packages that bring down the actual cost students pay. The college's 23% graduation rate suggests a smaller, more intimate program that may prioritize affordability over extensive facilities.

How do public university theater programs compare in cost across Kansas?

Kansas public universities cluster tightly in affordability, with net prices ranging from $13,046 at Washburn to $17,883 at Kansas State. Emporia State offers the best value with a $15,702 net price and 54.3% graduation rate. All public options charge significantly less than private alternatives, which start around $19,045 at Newman University.

Is the University of Kansas worth the higher cost for theater students?

KU charges $17,365 net price but delivers a 68.8% graduation rate, much higher than most Kansas theater programs. The university accepts 87.84% of applicants while maintaining strong outcomes for graduates. Students at KU also have access to larger metropolitan areas and more professional theater opportunities in the Lawrence-Kansas City corridor.

Does graduation rate vary significantly between affordable and expensive theater programs?

Graduation rates show interesting patterns across price points in Kansas theater programs. The most expensive school, Southwestern College at $27,310, graduates only 33.5% of students. Meanwhile, Kansas State at $17,883 achieves a 70.5% graduation rate, and even budget option Washburn reaches 52.6%. Higher cost does not guarantee better completion rates in this field.

More Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Rankings

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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.