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Cheapest Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Colleges in Missouri

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

College of the Ozarks stands out dramatically among Missouri's Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs with a net price of just $7,669, while most other options range between $11,653 and $21,123. This creates an unusual market where the cheapest program comes from a highly selective private college accepting only 21% of applicants, compared to public universities like Missouri Southern State that accept 99% but cost more after aid. Missouri's entertainment sector benefits from the state's central location and proximity to major markets like Kansas City and St. Louis, where venues like the Kauffman Center and Fox Theatre create regional performance opportunities. Earnings data reveals significant variation, with University of Missouri-St Louis graduates earning $18,771 compared to Truman State's $28,236. Public institutions dominate the affordable options, though their graduation rates vary widely from Missouri Southern's 38% to Truman State's 68%.
29
Programs
$7,669 – $27,075
Net Price Range
$23,388
Avg. Program Earnings
55.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

29 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
2 $11,653 $8,400 38.3% 99.5%
3 $12,030 $9,470 68.4% 45.1%
4 $12,323 $13,440 56.9% 51.1%
5 $12,638 $9,800 39.8%
6 $12,837 $11,988 55.9% 69.5%
7 $12,860 $13,692 52.6% 63.2%
8 $14,532 $9,496 55.7% 86.3%
9 $14,824 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
10 $15,336 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
11 $16,602 $19,890 61.6% 41.0%
12 $16,939 $38,672 42.6% 67.6%
13 $17,502 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
14 $17,945 $23,000 24.5% 61.2%
15 $18,251 $28,976 56.8% 94.4%
16 $18,516 $21,100 50.3% 74.0%
17 $18,705 $27,192 64.8% 67.9%
18 $19,889 $14,130 76.2% 79.1%
19 $21,082 $28,320 51.2% 99.6%
20 $21,123 $26,880 44.3% 67.1%
21 $21,523 $35,235 66.0% 63.4%
22 $22,080 $29,915 50.2% 97.0%
23 $22,117 $62,982 94.4% 11.8%
24 $22,270 $28,860 57.0% 61.5%
25 $23,277 $28,200 46.5% 64.2%
26 $25,477 $27,140 52.5% 97.9%
27 $25,807 $33,122 48.2% 70.9%
28 $26,196 $30,730 61.1% 55.1%
29 $27,075 $53,244 79.8% 84.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes College of the Ozarks so affordable for theatre students?

College of the Ozarks operates on a unique work-study model where students work campus jobs to cover educational costs. Despite charging $21,290 in tuition, the net price drops to $7,669 after aid and work credits. The college accepts only 21% of applicants, making it highly selective. This combination of work opportunities and financial aid creates the most affordable Drama/Theatre Arts option in Missouri.

How do public universities compare in cost for theatre programs?

Missouri's public universities show surprising cost variation after financial aid. Missouri Southern State University costs $11,653 net despite $8,400 in-state tuition, while Truman State costs $12,030 net with $9,470 tuition. The University of Missouri system schools range from $12,323 at St. Louis to $12,837 at Kansas City. Net prices often exceed in-state tuition due to room, board, and other expenses.

Is there a significant earnings gap among Missouri theatre graduates?

Early career earnings vary substantially across Missouri theatre programs. University of Missouri-St Louis graduates earn $18,771, while Truman State graduates earn $28,236, creating a $9,465 gap. University of Central Missouri falls in the middle at $22,192, and Missouri State University-Springfield graduates earn $21,508. These differences may reflect program focus, alumni networks, and regional job markets.

Does admission selectivity affect program costs in Missouri?

Admission rates don't directly correlate with affordability in Missouri theatre programs. College of the Ozarks accepts just 21% of applicants but remains cheapest at $7,669 net. Missouri Southern State accepts 99% of applicants but costs $11,653 after aid. Truman State balances moderate selectivity at 45% acceptance with strong outcomes including 68% graduation rates. Private colleges generally show lower acceptance rates but higher net costs.

Where do Missouri theatre graduates find the best job opportunities?

Missouri's central location provides access to regional theatre markets in Kansas City and St. Louis, home to venues like the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts and the Fox Theatre. The state's proximity to Chicago, Nashville, and other entertainment hubs creates additional opportunities. Graduates earning $28,236 from Truman State likely benefit from stronger alumni networks and career services. Local performing arts organizations and educational theatre provide steady employment options throughout the state.

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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.