Best Colleges for Drama

Some majoring in drama wish to be on stage or screen starring in the next big Broadway or Hollywood hit. Others are seeking behind-the-scenes work as writers, directors, playwrights, or stage managers. No matter your dream, breaking into the entertainment industry is challenging and attending the right undergraduate school can be an important component of carving out a future career. In some cases, location is a key factor, such as proximity to drama hubs like New York City or Los Angeles. Yet, the most important factor in selecting the right college at which to study the dramatic arts is the quality of the teaching and overall undergraduate training. The schools on our list of the Best Colleges for Drama not only claim a renowned alumni list but also offer high-caliber intensive training with ample opportunities to hone one’s craft in preparation for a fruitful career.

Click the links below for more information about each college’s drama program. Click here to read our methodology.

Bennington College

Boston University

Brown University

California Institute of the Arts

Carnegie Mellon University

Chapman University

Columbia College Chicago

DePaul University

Drew University

Elon University

Emerson College

Florida State University

Ithaca College

Loyola Marymount University

Marymount Manhattan College

Muhlenberg College

New York University

Northwestern University

Pace University

Point Park University

Purchase College (SUNY)

Rutgers University

Skidmore College

Syracuse University

Temple University

The Julliard School

University of California, Irvine

University of California, Los Angeles

University of California, San Diego

University of Connecticut

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

University of Miami

University of Michigan

University of Minnesota

University of North Carolina School of the Arts

University of Notre Dame

University of Southern California

Vassar College

Yale University