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Portland State University offers Oregon's most affordable Drama/Theatre Arts program at just $12,932 net cost, while graduates earn $24,808 annually. This substantial savings compared to private options like Reed College at $39,951 makes theatre education accessible in a state where Nike's corporate headquarters and Portland's growing film industry create unexpected opportunities for theatre professionals. Public universities dominate Oregon's affordable options, with four schools under $19,000 annually. The state's 12 drama programs span from Eastern Oregon's rural campus to Portland's urban theatre scene, where graduates can tap into the Pacific Northwest's expanding entertainment sector.
12
Programs
$12,932 – $39,951
Net Price Range
$23,352
Avg. Program Earnings
62.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

12 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,932 $11,238 53.1% 93.1%
2 $15,987 $10,671 36.6% 98.5%
3 $16,470 $12,093 44.2% 88.0%
4 $18,290 $11,025 44.8% 83.4%
5 $21,782 $15,669 71.5% 86.3%
6 $23,663 $48,268 72.7% 80.6%
7 $27,341 $49,530 65.2% 88.7%
8 $29,981 $40,940 68.7% 91.7%
9 $35,350 $54,466 64.8% 92.3%
10 $36,084 $62,350 71.2% 68.6%
11 $36,371 $54,900 80.4% 92.5%
12 $39,951 $67,020 75.9% 30.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive cost difference between public and private drama programs in Oregon?

Public universities like Portland State ($12,932) and Southern Oregon ($16,470) cost roughly half of private institutions such as Reed College ($39,951) and Lewis & Clark ($36,084). Oregon residents pay even less at public schools, with in-state tuition as low as $10,671 at Eastern Oregon University.

How do graduation rates vary among Oregon's most affordable drama programs?

University of Oregon leads affordable options with a 71.5% graduation rate at $21,782 net cost. Portland State maintains a 53.1% rate despite being the cheapest option, while Southern Oregon University graduates 44.2% of students at $16,470 annually.

Does earning potential justify the cost differences between Oregon drama schools?

University of Oregon graduates earn $27,862 annually, the highest among affordable programs, while Lewis & Clark graduates earn just $20,140 despite paying $36,084 in net costs. Portland State graduates earn $24,808, offering solid returns on the state's lowest investment.

Where can drama students find the best acceptance rates in Oregon?

Eastern Oregon University accepts 98.5% of applicants at $15,987 net cost, making it highly accessible. Portland State and George Fox also maintain acceptance rates above 90%, while Reed College accepts only 30.8% of applicants.

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