Cheapest Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Colleges in Wisconsin

Wisconsin theatre programs show striking cost differences, with University of Wisconsin-Parkside offering the lowest net price at $10,044 while private institutions like Beloit College reach $21,924. The state's 15 drama and stagecraft programs produce graduates earning between $18,401 and $30,771 annually, reflecting the varied career paths available in Wisconsin's growing entertainment sector. Milwaukee's theatre scene benefits from the city's cultural renaissance, while smaller cities like La Crosse support regional theatre companies that provide internship and employment opportunities for graduates. UW-Green Bay stands out with both reasonable costs at $12,878 net price and strong graduate earnings of $30,771. The Wisconsin Grant program helps in-state students access these affordable options, with public university tuition ranging from $7,855 to $11,205 before aid. Theatre graduates find work in Wisconsin's expanding healthcare sector creating medical training simulations, while others support the state's tourism industry through summer theatre festivals and cultural events.

Programs

$10,044 – $29,237

Net Price Range

$24,506

Avg. Program Earnings

63.7%

Avg. Graduation Rate

21 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Wisconsin-Parkside Kenosha, Wisconsin	$10,044	$7,855	39.8%	72.8%
2	University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Green Bay, Wisconsin	$12,878	$8,342	53.1%	89.6%
3	University of Wisconsin-Superior Superior, Wisconsin	$13,405	$8,487	44.1%	95.6%
4	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Stevens Point, Wisconsin	$13,726	$8,834	56.0%	89.1%
5	University of Wisconsin-River Falls River Falls, Wisconsin	$14,714	$8,606	60.9%	84.5%
6	University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Oshkosh, Wisconsin	$14,761	$8,212	57.9%	88.5%
7	University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Whitewater, Wisconsin	$14,785	$8,250	64.3%	82.4%
8	University of Wisconsin-La Crosse La Crosse, Wisconsin	$15,374	$9,651	71.2%	74.3%
9	University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$16,177	$10,020	51.2%	86.3%
10	University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, Wisconsin	$16,928	$11,205	89.3%	49.1%
11	University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Eau Claire, Wisconsin	$16,948	$9,277	67.6%	76.6%
12	Ripon College Ripon, Wisconsin	$21,176	$50,700	59.9%	81.3%
13	Wisconsin Lutheran College Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$21,315	$35,080	62.7%	93.8%
14	Beloit College Beloit, Wisconsin	$21,924	$58,554	67.2%	65.9%
15	Viterbo University La Crosse, Wisconsin	$22,633	$32,350	65.2%	72.4%
16	Carroll University Waukesha, Wisconsin	$24,362	$37,230	69.6%	72.1%
17	Lawrence University Appleton, Wisconsin	$24,563	$55,461	76.4%	72.3%
18	Carthage College Kenosha, Wisconsin	$24,813	$36,500	60.5%	81.8%
19	Edgewood College Madison, Wisconsin	$25,634	$34,850	67.4%	98.6%
20	Saint Norbert College De Pere, Wisconsin	$25,674	$44,432	73.6%	83.6%
21	Marquette University Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$29,237	$48,700	80.1%	87.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Wisconsin-Parkside the most affordable option for theatre students?

UW-Parkside offers the lowest net price at $10,044 for drama students, with in-state tuition of just $7,855. The school accepts 72.83% of applicants, making admission accessible for most students. However, the graduation rate of 39.80% is lower than other Wisconsin programs, requiring students to carefully consider their academic preparation and commitment level.

How do earnings compare between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

UW-Green Bay graduates earn $30,771 annually while paying a net price of $12,878, creating excellent value. In contrast, Viterbo University graduates earn only $18,401 despite paying $22,633 net price. This $12,370 earnings difference shows that program cost doesn't always correlate with post-graduation income in theatre fields.

Is University of Wisconsin-Madison worth the higher cost for theatre students?

UW-Madison charges $16,928 net price but delivers an strong 89.30% graduation rate, the highest among Wisconsin theatre programs. Graduates earn $29,685 annually, and the program's selectivity at 49.06% acceptance rate indicates rigorous academic standards. The investment pays off through stronger completion rates and solid earnings potential.

Does student debt vary significantly among Wisconsin theatre programs?

Debt levels range from $22,814 at Viterbo University to $27,625 at UW-Whitewater, with UW-Parkside reporting $24,397 in average debt. UW-Milwaukee graduates carry $27,000 in debt while UW-Stevens Point students graduate with $25,000. These moderate debt levels reflect the generally affordable nature of Wisconsin's public theatre programs.

Where do Wisconsin theatre graduates find the best job opportunities?

Milwaukee offers the strongest job market with its active theatre district and corporate training opportunities at companies like GE Healthcare. The Wisconsin Dells tourist region employs theatre graduates in entertainment venues and themed attractions. Madison's cultural scene and university environment also provide steady employment for theatre professionals in education, performance, and arts administration roles.

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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.