While location, facilities, size, and type of training are all important factors to consider when selecting a collegiate Musical Theatre program, deciding where to spend your next four years is also an important financial decision. Your college decision is one that, if not made wisely, could leave you straddled with thousands of dollars in student debt. Here we’ve compiled a list of the top ten most affordable college BFA musical theatre programs in the U.S. that won’t break the bank:

1. Western Carolina University

PC: Western Carolina University

a staff of professional faculty headed by Tony-nominated Terrance Mann, Western Carolina University provides students with cutting-edge facilities and a rigorous curriculum to provide a strong foundation for their students.

In-State Tuition: $4,453

Out-of-State Tuition: $8,453

Average Tuition: $6,453

2. West Texas A&M University

PC: West Texas A&M University

Each BFA Musical Theatre student partakes in at least one production per semester (through either onstage or backstage roles) at West Texas A&M University, and seniors are given the opportunity to create a Senior Project at the end of four years.

In-State Tuition: $9,204

Out-of-State Tuition: $10,834

Average Tuition: $10,019

3. University of South Dakota

PC: University of South Dakota

The University of South Dakota creates adaptable and collaborative performers through a balanced approach to training that includes intensive acting work, both classical and contemporary vocal technique and a wide range of dance styles.

In-State Tuition: $9,432

Out-of-State Tuition: $12,942

Average Tuition: $11,187

4. Western Illinois University

PC: University of South Dakota

One of Western Illinois University’s “Signature Programs,” the BFA Musical Theatre program’s students thrive in a variety of on-stage and off-stage opportunities with their four years culminating in a senior project.

In-State Tuition: $12,441

Out-of-State Tuition: $12,441

Average Tuition: $12,441

5. Slippery Rock University

PC: Slippery Rock University

Offering students proven acting training combined with vocal technique geared toward contemporary styles (hard rock, pop and jazz), Slippery Rock University also allows students to audition for all 5 mainstage productions/year. Listen to our Podcast episode with Aaron Galligan-Stierle here!

In-State Tuition: $10,757

Out-of-State Tuition: $14,615

Average Tuition: $12,686

6. California State University, Fullerton

PC: California State University, Fullerton

A conservatory-style training program situated within a large Southern California university, California State University, Fullerton focuses on celebrating the whole artist while providing training in all three Musical Theatre disciplines. Listen to our Podcast episode with Josh Grisetti here!

In-State Tuition: $7,012

Out-of-State Tuition: $18,892

Average Tuition: $12,952

7. Florida State University

PC: Florida State University

Florida State University’s joint program between the College of Music and School of Theatre results in the granting of either a BM or BFA in Music Theatre, with students able to audition for each season’s two mainstage musicals and also explore study abroad opportunities in London. Listen to our Podcast episode with Kate Gelabert and Michele Diamonti here!

In-State Tuition: $6,517

Out-of-State Tuition: $21,683

Average Tuition: $14,100

8. Wright State University

PC: Wright State University

Wright State University offers conservatory-style training and a plethora of performance opportunities, with students not only involved in mainstage productions but also afforded the chance to audition for the award-winning Motion Pictures program. Listen to our Podcast episode with Joe Deer here!

In-State Tuition: $10,814

Out-of-State Tuition: $20,232

Average Tuition:$15,523

9. University of Florida

PC: University of Florida

Situated within a Top 5 public university, the University of Florida’s BFA Musical Theatre program provides individualized training through small class sizes and one-on-one instruction while also allowing students to take advantage of the additional academic and extracurricular opportunities offered at a large, research-one school.

In-State Tuition: $6,380

Out-of-State Tuition: $28,658

Average Tuition: $17,519

10. Texas State University

PC: Texas State University

In addition to providing individual attention and training, Texas State University’s Musical Theatre program boasts a wellness curriculum and a series of “Business of the Business” labs designed to help students with the more logistical and practical aspects of a performance career.  Listen to our Podcast episode with Kaitlin Hopkins here!

In-State Tuition: $11,851

Out-of-State Tuition: $24,091

Average Tuition: $17,971

Hopefully you can add some of these affordable BFA Musical Theatre programs to your list as you continue in your college audition journey. If you’re interested in learning more about these programs, be sure to visit our College Audition Podcast in addition to our newly released Spotlight App by clicking here! Serving primarily as a searchable database with over 750+ Acting, Theatre, and Musical Theatre programs, Spotlight consolidates critical details such as audition requirements/deadlines, financial aid resources, and both academic and artistic contact information for each program.