2024 Best Colleges for Theatre in California

We rigorously analyzed earnings after graduation, student loan debt, and a host of other variables to determine what colleges and universities offer the best Theatre programs in California. We looked at 59 programs to put our Theatre rankings together to help you find the absolute best schools for Theatre in California. ... Read More

If you’re still wondering whether Theatre is the right field of study for you, check out our guide to majoring in Theatre: what you can do with the major, how much you’ll make, and more.

For the purposes of these rankings we prioritized earnings after graduation 6 years and 10 years out for students that majored in Theatre in California. Earnings are by no means the most important mark of success for a Theatre undergraduate program, but it is a variable that is widely used across universities and colleges in California. In addition to salary, we also provide average student loans metric and other admissions data points.

In addition, if you scroll all the way through the list you’ll find every college or university that offers a Theatre degree in California.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Universities offering Theatre Majors in California

What is the best university for majoring in Theatre in California?

UC Berkeley is the best university for majoring in Theatre based on earnings data. On average, graduates from UC Berkeley earned an average of $31,839 2 years after graduating.

What is the cheapest university for majoring in Theatre in California?

California State University-Dominguez Hills is the cheapest university for majoring in Theatre based on the Department of Education tuition data. On average, students pay $6,213 to attend California State University-Dominguez Hills.

What is the most expensive university for majoring in Theatre in California?

University of Southern California (USC) is the most expensive university for majoring in Theatre based on the Department of Education tuition data. On average, students pay $50,277 to attend University of Southern California (USC).

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#16 Best College for Theatre
Average Salary $26,353
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 28
Occidental College
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
Occidental College, located in Los Angeles, CA has 28 students majoring in Theatre. On average, graduates earn $26,353.
Acceptance Rate 45%
Undergraduates 506 students
Tuition $49,248
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#17 Best College for Theatre
Average Salary $25,967
Average Debt $16,174
Program Size 97
San Francisco State University
4 Year
San Francisco, CA
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San Francisco State University, located in San Francisco, CA has 97 students majoring in Theatre. On average, graduates earn $25,967.
Acceptance Rate 68%
Undergraduates 7,146 students
Tuition $6,476
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#18 Best College for Theatre
Average Salary $25,194
Average Debt $26,906
Program Size 62
University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC)
4 Year
Santa Cruz, CA
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University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC), located in Santa Cruz, CA has 62 students majoring in Theatre. On average, graduates earn $25,194.
Acceptance Rate 50%
Undergraduates 4,437 students
Tuition $13,461
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#19 Best College for Theatre
Average Salary $25,194
Average Debt $16,334
Program Size 47
University of California-Davis (UCD)
4 Year
Davis, CA
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University of California-Davis (UCD), located in Davis, CA has 47 students majoring in Theatre. On average, graduates earn $25,194.
Acceptance Rate 38%
Undergraduates 9,630 students
Tuition $13,951
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#20 Best College for Theatre
Average Salary $25,194
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 13
California Baptist University (CBU)
4 Year
Riverside, CA
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California Baptist University (CBU), located in Riverside, CA has 13 students majoring in Theatre. On average, graduates earn $25,194.
Acceptance Rate 65%
Undergraduates 2,348 students
Tuition $30,384
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#21 Best College for Theatre
Average Salary $24,421
Average Debt $16,334
Program Size 141
University of California-Irvine
4 Year
Irvine, CA
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University of California-Irvine, located in Irvine, CA has 141 students majoring in Theatre. On average, graduates earn $24,421.
Acceptance Rate N/A
Undergraduates 8,695 students
Tuition N/A
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#22 Best College for Theatre
Average Salary $24,421
Average Debt $16,334
Program Size 141
UC Irvine
4 Year
Irvine, CA
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UC Irvine , located in Irvine, CA has 141 students majoring in Theatre. On average, graduates earn $24,421.
Acceptance Rate 39%
Undergraduates 8,695 students
Tuition $13,252
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#23 Best College for Theatre
Average Salary $24,421
Average Debt $26,000
Program Size 34
Pepperdine University (PU)
4 Year
Malibu, CA
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Pepperdine University (PU), located in Malibu, CA has 34 students majoring in Theatre. On average, graduates earn $24,421.
Acceptance Rate 38%
Undergraduates 2,664 students
Tuition $48,342
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#24 Best College for Theatre
Average Salary $24,325
Average Debt $20,768
Program Size 168
California State University-Fullerton (CSUF)
4 Year
Fullerton, CA
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California State University-Fullerton (CSUF), located in Fullerton, CA has 168 students majoring in Theatre. On average, graduates earn $24,325.
Acceptance Rate 42%
Undergraduates 10,530 students
Tuition $6,437
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#25 Best College for Theatre
Average Salary $24,325
Average Debt $25,366
Program Size 145
Chapman University (CU)
4 Year
Orange, CA
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Chapman University (CU), located in Orange, CA has 145 students majoring in Theatre. On average, graduates earn $24,325.
Acceptance Rate 48%
Undergraduates 2,243 students
Tuition $47,260
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#26 Best College for Theatre
Average Salary $23,649
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 25
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
4 Year
San Luis Obispo, CA
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California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, located in San Luis Obispo, CA has 25 students majoring in Theatre. On average, graduates earn $23,649.
Acceptance Rate 31%
Undergraduates 5,066 students
Tuition $9,001
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#27 Best College for Theatre
Average Salary $23,649
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 17
Santa Clara University (SCU)
4 Year
Santa Clara, CA
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Santa Clara University (SCU), located in Santa Clara, CA has 17 students majoring in Theatre. On average, graduates earn $23,649.
Acceptance Rate 49%
Undergraduates 2,466 students
Tuition $45,300
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#28 Best College for Theatre
Average Salary $23,340
Average Debt $22,347
Program Size 114
California State University-Northridge
4 Year
Northridge, CA
California State University-Northridge, located in Northridge, CA has 114 students majoring in Theatre. On average, graduates earn $23,340.
Acceptance Rate 46%
Undergraduates 10,247 students
Tuition $6,569
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#29 Best College for Theatre
Average Salary $22,920
Average Debt $15,943
Program Size 60
California State University-Sacramento
4 Year
Sacramento, CA
California State University-Sacramento, located in Sacramento, CA has 60 students majoring in Theatre. On average, graduates earn $22,920.
Acceptance Rate 67%
Undergraduates 7,636 students
Tuition $6,872
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#30 Best College for Theatre
Average Salary $22,482
Average Debt $16,423
Program Size 50
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
4 Year
Pomona, CA
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona, located in Pomona, CA has 50 students majoring in Theatre. On average, graduates earn $22,482.
Acceptance Rate 39%
Undergraduates 5,596 students
Tuition $7,016
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Other Major Rankings
Best Theatre Programs by State
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