2025 Best Colleges for Theatre

We rigorously analyzed a host of variables to determine what colleges and universities offer the best Theatre programs in America. The list includes 808 programs and you can sort by average salary, debt, acceptance rate and more to hone in on the the best programs for you.

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. Please note that earnings are one metric of success that can be used to judge a Theatre program, but are by no means the best or only option. However, because this variable is provided by the vast majority of universities offering Theatre we used it as the primary method or ordering the best universities for Theatre.

By scrolling all the way through the list you’ll find every college or university that offers a Theatre in America.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Universities offering Theatre Majors and Degrees

What is the best university for majoring in Theatre?

Michigan Technological University is the best university for majoring in Theatre based on earnings data. On average, graduates from Michigan Technological University earned an average of $49,683 2 years after graduating.

What is the cheapest university for majoring in Theatre?

Brigham Young University-Idaho is the cheapest university for majoring in Theatre based on the Department of Education tuition data. On average, students pay $3,830 to attend Brigham Young University-Idaho.

What is the most expensive university for majoring in Theatre?

Columbia University in the City of New York is the most expensive university for majoring in Theatre based on the Department of Education tuition data. On average, students pay $53,000 to attend Columbia University in the City of New York.