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.