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Cheapest Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Colleges in Texas

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

Texas drama programs show remarkable cost variation, with The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley charging just $6,500 annually while other public universities reach nearly $17,000. This $10,000 gap reflects regional economics more than program quality, as graduates across the state enter markets ranging from Austin's South by Southwest festival circuit to Dallas-Fort Worth's extensive theatre scene. Early career earnings span $14,935 to $27,947, with University of North Texas and Sam Houston State University graduates commanding the highest salaries. Texas produces more live entertainment events than any state except California, creating steady demand for technical theatre professionals in major cities. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with 15 schools offering programs under $17,000. Graduation rates vary significantly, from 33.7% at Texas A&M Corpus Christi to 64.9% at University of Houston, suggesting program structure and student support differ considerably across institutions.
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 In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
2 $10,726 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
3 $10,948 $8,648 44.2% 93.6%
4 $11,268 $10,026 45.9% 86.5%
5 $11,429 $8,690 37.2% 83.7%
6 $11,882 $10,310 41.3% 92.4%
7 $12,915 $8,319 40.7% 79.1%
8 $13,853 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
9 $14,041 $11,299 43.2% 76.1%
10 $14,352 $11,164 59.6% 79.1%
11 $15,137 $9,748 33.7% 88.0%
12 $15,152 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
13 $15,235 $11,728 56.5% 80.8%
14 $16,025 $9,228 55.1% 84.6%
15 $16,438 $11,450 56.2% 87.7%
16 $17,760 $31,728 42.4%
17 $18,762 $33,660 68.6% 96.7%
18 $19,398 $37,934 32.4% 60.9%
19 $19,655 $18,610 35.5% 85.7%
20 $19,678 $11,678 87.6% 31.4%
21 $19,710 $38,100 49.8% 84.5%
22 $19,734 $9,173 19.9% 96.8%
23 $19,988 $31,372 38.6% 56.5%
24 $20,071 $11,852 67.5% 67.3%
25 $20,261 $7,878 51.2% 87.1%
26 $20,410 $37,396 43.7% 85.2%
27 $20,498 $35,660 51.8% 94.2%
28 $20,540 $23,186 19.2% 69.7%
29 $20,841 $9,101 47.3% 91.6%
30 $20,924 $13,099 83.8% 62.7%
31 $21,031 $31,686 49.6% 88.3%
32 $22,587 $34,920 55.2% 91.8%
33 $23,451 $46,500 69.5% 54.4%
34 $23,636 $51,384 64.2% 85.1%
35 $23,650 $51,352 81.9% 30.5%
36 $23,790 $30,050 48.0% 67.7%
37 $25,255 $33,322 31.1% 62.3%
38 $25,470 $50,880 68.0% 58.7%
39 $27,401 $42,380 60.2% 65.8%
40 $27,468 $51,058 69.3% 44.8%
41 $33,531 $57,220 85.6% 56.1%
42 $41,778 $64,460 83.3% 52.3%
43 $41,942 $54,844 80.2% 45.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $10,000 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

UT Rio Grande Valley's $6,500 net cost reflects its border location and high financial aid distribution, while schools like Texas State at $16,438 serve different demographics. Regional cost of living affects both tuition pricing and student aid calculations. Border universities often receive additional federal funding that reduces student costs. The $6,000 average cost difference among public universities mainly stems from varying state funding allocations per campus.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Texas drama programs?

University of Houston combines the highest graduation rate at 64.9% with a moderate $13,853 cost, while Texas A&M Corpus Christi shows just 33.7% completion despite similar pricing. The data reveals no clear cost-quality relationship, as some cheaper programs like UT Rio Grande Valley maintain 49.3% graduation rates. Students at mid-priced institutions between $14,000-$16,000 show completion rates ranging from 33.7% to 59.6%. Support services and student preparation matter more than tuition levels for program completion.

Is the $27,947 earning potential at Sam Houston State University typical for Texas drama graduates?

Sam Houston graduates significantly outperform the state average, earning nearly double the $14,935 minimum reported at UT Arlington. University of North Texas graduates also command strong salaries at $27,126, suggesting certain programs better prepare students for higher-paying positions. The $12,000 earning gap between schools reflects different career track preparation and alumni network strength. Most programs cluster around $20,000-$25,000 in early career earnings, making the top performers notable exceptions.

Does acceptance rate indicate program selectivity or accessibility focus?

UT El Paso accepts 99.92% of applicants while University of Houston admits 66.24%, revealing very different institutional approaches. Most Texas drama programs accept 80-90% of applicants, prioritizing access over exclusivity. The correlation between acceptance rates and outcomes remains weak, as high-acceptance schools like Stephen F Austin achieve 51.7% graduation rates. Open admission policies help serve Texas's large population while maintaining reasonable completion standards.

Where do Texas drama graduates find the most employment opportunities?

Houston's entertainment district and Dallas-Fort Worth's theatre scene provide the most professional opportunities, with Austin's music and film industry offering additional pathways. Texas hosts over 300 professional theatre companies and numerous touring productions requiring technical staff. The state's film incentive programs have attracted major productions, creating demand for trained stagecraft professionals. Rural areas increasingly need arts education specialists, making teaching credentials valuable for program graduates.

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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.