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Cheapest Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Colleges in Tennessee

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

Middle Tennessee State University delivers theater education at just $12,599 net cost, making it the most affordable option among Tennessee's drama programs by nearly $300. This public university in Murfreesboro stands alongside 14 other schools offering theater training across a state where entertainment opportunities extend beyond Nashville's famous music scene into regional theaters, theme parks like Dollywood, and the growing film production industry. The cost difference between public and private options proves substantial, with Vanderbilt University commanding $19,040 despite its 92.7% graduation rate compared to MTSU's 54%. Public universities dominate the affordable end, filling seven of the top ten spots with net costs under $16,500. Theater graduates from these programs enter a job market where median earnings range from $19,749 to $25,194, reflecting the varied paths available from performance to technical production roles. Tennessee's lack of state income tax means graduates keep more of their earnings while building careers in entertainment, education, or the state's emerging film industry that has attracted productions seeking lower costs and tax incentives.
23
Programs
$12,599 – $32,096
Net Price Range
$21,887
Avg. Program Earnings
58.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

23 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,599 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
2 $12,817 $10,144 53.1% 82.7%
3 $13,253 $10,344 49.4% 94.6%
4 $14,459 $29,790 54.8% 70.9%
5 $14,846 $8,675 44.5% 93.8%
6 $15,133 $10,506 35.7% 80.3%
7 $15,794 $9,950 49.9% 85.3%
8 $16,494 $18,900 55.9%
9 $18,109 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
10 $18,292 $27,840 47.0% 66.2%
11 $18,661 $34,700 46.4% 79.8%
12 $19,040 $63,946 92.7% 6.7%
13 $20,082 $25,000 68.4% 91.2%
14 $20,399 $22,690 60.7% 72.6%
15 $20,986 $38,514 47.2% 69.5%
16 $21,803 $18,168 34.9% 88.8%
17 $23,508 $34,800 46.4% 60.8%
18 $25,060 $54,892 81.6% 53.9%
19 $25,610 $38,824 68.7% 71.1%
20 $26,181 $22,000 48.3% 20.4%
21 $26,815 $38,450 70.9% 52.6%
22 $27,498 $53,698 82.4% 52.3%
23 $32,096 $41,320 71.7% 96.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $6,441 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Public universities like Middle Tennessee State University charge $12,599 net cost while private schools like Vanderbilt reach $19,040, creating significant savings for in-state students. The gap widens further when comparing sticker prices, as Vanderbilt lists $63,946 before aid versus MTSU's $9,506 in-state tuition. Public funding allows state schools to subsidize theater programs that require expensive equipment and performance spaces.

How do graduation rates vary among Tennessee's most affordable theater programs?

Graduation rates span from 35.7% at University of Tennessee Southern to 73.5% at UT Knoxville, showing significant variation even among public schools. Vanderbilt leads with 92.7% but costs $6,441 more than the cheapest option. Middle Tennessee State University maintains a respectable 54% graduation rate while offering the lowest net cost, making it attractive for budget-conscious students.

Does choosing a cheaper program affect post-graduation earnings potential?

Earnings data shows modest variation, ranging from $19,749 to $25,194 across programs with available data. Notably, the most expensive school (Vanderbilt) lacks earnings data, while Lee University graduates earn $25,194 despite moderate program costs of $20,399. University of Memphis offers strong value with $13,253 net cost and $20,824 median earnings, suggesting affordable programs can still lead to competitive salaries.

Where can theater students find the best acceptance rates among affordable options?

University of Memphis offers the highest acceptance rate at 94.6% with a net cost of just $13,253, making it highly accessible. Austin Peay State University follows closely at 93.8% acceptance with $14,846 net cost. These schools contrast sharply with Vanderbilt's 6.67% acceptance rate, showing that affordable programs often provide easier admission paths for aspiring theater artists.

What career opportunities exist for theater graduates in Tennessee's job market?

Tennessee's entertainment industry extends beyond Nashville's music scene to include Dollywood theme park, regional theaters, and growing film production attracted by tax incentives. Theater graduates can pursue performance roles, technical positions in sound and lighting, or education careers in the state's school systems. The absence of state income tax means graduates keep more of their $19,749 to $25,194 median earnings while building careers in entertainment hubs like Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville.

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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.