2024 Best Colleges with Drama and Theatre Production Degrees in New York

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  1,328 reviews

Junior: As a Columbia University student, I am proud of myself and I feel very lucky. The school's name alone boasts prestige and prominence, as so many Nobel Prize winners, presidents, and successful businesspeople hail from the university. To be a part of this community, one that fosters community support as well as a push to strive for self improvement and global impact, has been incredibly motivating and exhilarating for me. I am very satisfied by the quality of my teachers and peers. The only things I would change are the tuition price and the humidity of NYC in the summer!... Read 1,328 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $12,411

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Ithaca, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  2,051 reviews

Sophomore: Although I have not yet graduated from Cornell University, my experience thus far has been both demanding and rewarding. The academic rigor and high standards have challenged me to push my boundaries and strive for excellence. While the workload can be overwhelming at times, I believe that the difficulties I have faced will ultimately pay off in terms of career opportunities. Cornell's prestigious reputation and strong emphasis on research and innovation provide a solid foundation for future success. With access to renowned faculty, extensive resources, and a supportive community, I am confident that my time at Cornell will pave the way for a promising professional journey.... Read 2,051 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 9%

• Net price $24,262

• SAT range 1450-1560

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  469 reviews

Alum: Barnard is very unique, as it’s an undergraduate college of Columbia University (yes, that makes it an Ivy League) but also a tight-knit women’s college. The Columbia Daily Spectator calls it “the only women’s college in the Ivy League.” Lots of recruited athletes at Columbia can go to Barnard instead of CC (Columbia College). A lot of friends were recruited CU athletes at Barnard. It’s also different from other women’s colleges because it feels like a women’s dorm at Columbia. It’s sooo integrated and feels co-Ed! The leaders of most Columbia clubs are Barnard women tbh. It can be annoying to constantly explain to people that Barnard is 100% integrated with the other schools at CU though. The internships at Barnard are INSANE. I was a history major and got internships at top investment banks, big tech companies, famous TV shows and more. It was so easy to get a good job, in part because Barnard alums are obsessed with hiring other Barnard students. NYC was also so fun to be in.... Read 469 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $28,366

• SAT range 1380-1550

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  5,648 reviews

Junior: To start, living on my own in the city has been an authentic experience that has helped me grow as a young adult, taking on new responsibilities and meeting different people! Overall, college is what you make it. There are so many resources and opportunities, some clearly offered and pushed, and some just found by research or who you know (so be friendly and make connections!). Regarding classes, my professors are very inspiring, with expertise and experience. With the educational aspect, you'll learn the concrete information (rules and details of a concept) by studying and reading; you have to put in your own effort if you want to learn, either on your own time out of class, or for an assignment. Discussions and work in class with the professor are more on the abstract side of things, regarding ideals and philosophies, making you think about the world around you and how you can make a positive impact. Content and work differs by class, but your education relies on your effort!... Read 5,648 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $50,991

• SAT range 1450-1570

• Clinton, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  484 reviews

Freshman: It's an amazing campus with beautiful and kind professors, students, staff, etc. Everyone is willing to help you and no one leaves you hanging. I'd really recommend checking out this college to see if it's for you!... Read 484 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 14%

• Net price $26,803

• SAT range 1410-1540

• Poughkeepsie, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  663 reviews

Sophomore: Vassar College has ample opportunities in most fields of study and well-respected/high-quality academics. Considering its student population, its opportunities for independent research alongside professors are outstanding. Help will always be provided to those who seek it in searches for internships, graduate school advising, and career development. Students have a great relationship with their professors. I would change the manner in which credit registration caps are managed and total credit hours are assessed and provide some more freedom in courses, even though the school does have the coveted open curriculum. Overall, the student body is very engaged, and there is a very active student government. There is a crowd for everyone and any preferred social and academic life.... Read 663 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 20%

• Net price $27,249

• SAT range 1420-1540

• Hamilton, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  1,041 reviews

Sophomore: Colgate University has opened doors for me in countless ways. The rich alumni network is widely used by students through our amazing career services office. Additionally, I have been given opportunities to connect with possible employers and have even gotten a job as a result! Additionally, the school itself is very work hard play hard. I am enrolled in academically rigorous classes but I can also have so much fun here!... Read 1,041 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 17%

• Net price $24,500

• SAT range 1350-1500

• Vestal, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  2,609 reviews

Senior: I have enjoyed my time at Binghamton University. I am pursuing medical degree after my undergraduate and have received a lot of support from Binghamton's academic advising to make sure that I am on track. Taking online classes during the pandemic shut down was an interesting way to start my journey at Binghamton University, but they managed to adapt to changing circumstances and deliver impeccable educational content. Binghamton offers many ways to get involved with the research and outreach that the university is engaged in. For example, I am a part of two of the psychological research labs on campus. One thing that I would like to see change at Binghamton is more work opportunities and resources offered to students who are struggling financially. I, like many of my peers, have put myself through school without contribution from family and more economically enriching opportunities would have helped me support myself through my education. Thank you!... Read 2,609 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 44%

• Net price $17,881

• SAT range 1310-1470

• Saratoga Springs, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  658 reviews

Junior: I love my experience at Skidmore. My first year, I was able to take a variety of classes in different departments to figure out where I felt most at home, and many of our classes are interdisciplinary. It is easy and encouraged to have multiple majors/minors, and most professors are amazing! They truly are a great resource that I was not expecting to have, especially coming from a bigger high school. I have been fortunate to hold several campus jobs, including being a tour guide, tutor, and RA. There are also tons of opportunities for students to get involved in administrative, career-preparing work through our SGA and various campus committees--most searches and voting committees will have at least one student representative, and overall the opportunities are vast.... Read 658 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 31%

• Net price $31,553

• SAT range 1270-1440

• Schenectady, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  611 reviews

Alum: My experience throughout my four years at Union College was nothing short of great from the quality of education, the support from professors, and the social scene. I learned so many applicable skills from my biology degree that I utilized in my laboratory position after I graduated. The addition of the new Integrated Science and Engineering building during my senior year offers great lab space and experience for future students who are interested in those majors. Since it's a small college, professors are very easy to communicate with, have a lot of time for office hours and individual meetings, and return grades and feedback in a very timely manner. I also met people whom I consider some of my closest friends through different student activities including Greek life. Union College is a great place to learn and have fun and offers a great alumni network post graduation.... Read 611 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 47%

• Net price $39,101

• SAT range 1270-1450

• Syracuse, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  3,525 reviews

Sophomore: I love Syracuse. The atmosphere, people, activites, and education is phenomenal! I thoroughly enjoyed the educational opportunities they provide such as office hours, recorded lectures, and an extensive array of courses offered at this university. I also enjoyed the programs they offer to help you get involved with the community and other students. For example, the multicultural club provided much support and information that will stay with its members forever. In addition to this, they provide support to members of the military offering them special education programs, care packages, and anything else they needed. This university cares about its students and will make sure you have everything you need to flourish academically and socially. Overall, I highly recommend this school as it will give you an excellent education, provide so many social opportunities, as well as help you maintain your physical and mental health. They even have a wellness center.... Read 3,525 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 59%

• Net price $43,545

• SAT range 1220-1400

• Stony Brook, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  2,837 reviews

Junior: It's been great so far! The campus is always overflowing with people, there are a lot of opportunities to connect with others and lots of fun events. Every year there are multiple festivals and carnivals that the university holds to keep the students engaged. There are also many programs that the university sponsors and supports in order to help the students achieve their personal professional goals. I am personally part of the DPLN program and pledging for BAP, and it has overall been a great experience. I feel like I am really getting the most out of my college education and it has been amazing.... Read 2,837 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 48%

• Net price $16,445

• SAT range 1300-1480

• Buffalo, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  3,084 reviews

Alum: Overall pretty satisfied with my undergraduate experience, but SUNY Buffalo is definitely a school that might not appeal to everybody. If you're a fan of big schools like myself, then it's great; plenty of campus activities and sports, absolutely amazing food choices (the dorm even has a grocery store), different campuses with different vibes for different people, and so many groups of people from all different walks of life. However, it's definitely huge party school (a pro and a con), and there's some safety issues outside of South campus to be aware of. Likewise, due to the massive class size, it's essential to be self-reliant/driven in your studies, and I could definitely see the 500 person lecture halls and greater difficulty connecting with professors turning-off people from UB. Parts of North campus itself does look a bit visually unappealing, and parking is a constant issue among students as well. However, if you're looking for a city within a school feel, UB is the way to go!... Read 3,084 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $17,954

• SAT range 1180-1360

• Bronx, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  1,103 reviews

Alum: Lehman was an excellent decision that I have made in my life. I have had received my BSN in 2015 and I can say the campus is great. It’s located in a quiet area! Near the buses and alll trains which was a plus point! Professors were always available and study areas were always available as well! Professors wanted you to learn and mainly understand the content instead of just reading off PowerPoints. Food is almost great there. There is a cafeteria and food trucks as well! A park in front of you want to sit in the park and study. We used blackboard at that time and it made it easier to Submit homework, take online test, contact professors. I’m pleased with this university.... Read 1,103 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 58%

• Net price $3,220

• SAT range 960-1080

• Saint Bonaventure, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  476 reviews

Niche User: I've committed to play ball at St Bonaventure, and everything about the recruiting process has been incredible. On my visit, everyone was so kind, and genuine, and really seemed to love this school. I'm not just talking the students, but the Uni staff, and people all over the town. I mean, people LOVE this school! On my flight home, wearing a Bonnies t-shirt at the airport/on the plane, half a dozen people called out to me "Bonnies!" The love is real.... Read 476 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 78%

• Net price $25,533

• SAT range 1070-1270

• Geneva, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.4 out of 5  632 reviews

Junior: HWS is a great place to study and live! The school works very hard to provide opportunities for students in and out of the class room. I have been able to participate in International business case competitions, ski on the ski team, and get great internships through the Salisbury center for career development. I love the classic Liberal Arts College teaching style, we read and write a lot but you'll come out of HWS a really hard worker. Economic department is the best!... Read 632 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 67%

• Net price $34,239

• SAT range 1170-1370

• Rockville Centre, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  666 reviews

Sophomore: As a transfer student, the transition has been smooth with the help of advisors. It was more cost effective to attend a university within my home state and still have my independence as it changed from a commuter school to now being able to dorm on campus. Great programs to choose from, smaller class sizes, which helps you to have more interaction with your professors so you’re known by name. Campus life can give you the opportunity to participate in different activities/clubs and having a well known theatre on campus exposes you to performances from your peers as well as nationally known artists. Overall, Molloy University is very supportive and passionate about their students success!... Read 666 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $25,540

• SAT range 1110-1320

• New Paltz, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  1,446 reviews

Sophomore: I like how encouraging New Paltz is to its students! It feels like they really care about the student body. A decent amount of the professors just want their students to understand material and not be in crippling debt so they’ll do things like upload free resources or not require a textbook; it’s very much appreciated. The overall campus feels pretty safe too! It truly feels like they have our best interest in mind. Although New Paltz promotes equity amongst its student body, I would like to see that further enforced. Students from certain minority groups tend to be represented. However, I would like to see students of color to get the protection and acknowledgment they deserve. The student body is fairly white, which isn’t an issue until that ushers in ignorant comments and prejudice toward POC students. New Paltz tries to avoid racial biases, and negative interactions, but they do happen, and when they do, they aren’t taken that seriously. That definitely needs to change.... Read 1,446 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 46%

• Net price $15,318

• SAT range 1150-1280

• Brooklyn, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  1,263 reviews

Alum: I liked the commute to Brooklyn College and the classes I took. I wish they had more flexibility when it came to required classes that were only available at night but overall it was a good experience. Something I would recommend to them is updating their online system. At times I found it quite challenging to navigate and getting someone to help you was often tricky. My academic advisor was amazing and the most helpful person throughout my Brooklyn College experience. She was frankly the only helpful person during my Brooklyn College experience. All of the psychology classes that I took were amazing! The campus was pretty during the springtime and I often felt safe, especially when traveling for nighttime and weekend classes. I didn't utilize the campus much since I was a commuter student. An annoying thing about taking classes during Covid were the random covid test checks that would pop up on your student account but without email warning.... Read 1,263 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 51%

• Net price $4,254

• SAT range 1020-1180

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  514 reviews

Sophomore: The integrated conservatory program is not for everyone, but is an incredible opportunity. Working with industry professionals means you start making connections on your first day, and you are always getting the most up-to-date information. Classes are interspersed with personal stories about auditioning and working in the Broadway community, and teachers are passionate about readying us for the intensity of performing 8 shows a week. You get out of the program what you put into it - be prepared to do the work!... Read 514 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 22%

• Net price $44,797

• SAT range —

• Bronx, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  1,931 reviews

Alum: Fordham as a Biology major is a very different experience than that of the Business School, they did prepare us well in terms of courses required to apply to graduate medical programs. However, I recall begging professors to open more class sections for the most basic courses (human anatomy and phys) required for schools. They underestimated how many students needed to complete these basic science courses in order to be eligible for graduate programs. Further, they proposed we take Biology and Chemistry at the same time our first year so we “required less overall credits to graduate.” With labs and other courses, I ended up having way more than the amount of credits required anyways, thus negating the appeal of taking both at the same time in the first place. It was a “weeding out” process. When I asked for help, my advisor stated I was “not serious enough to pursue medicine,” but I sought out my own advisor, and here I am now! En route to PA school.... Read 1,931 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 58%

• Net price $37,583

• SAT range 1300-1480

• Bayside, NY•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  659 reviews

Sophomore: Overall I liked QCC. They have lots of free programs to help students in STEM. There are opportunities for undergraduate research, on campus jobs, and free tutoring. Some clubs are good like the robotics club, but some are also bad. We had play with 4 puppies, pizza, and a carnival like event during a club once. The social life is what you make of it. QCC really helps to create a community and the campus is beautiful. I enjoyed most of my time in college and can’t wait to graduate debt free! Some advice - take classes at QCC while in high school or use CLEP and AP exams. You can accelerate your degree and save money or time. Also, summer STEM classes have their tuition waived for one class. Whichever CUNY you choose to go to, remember that you can always “epermit” a class at another CUNY. I used an epermit for a class at Queens College. I like QCC’s smaller classes. You get more help and guidance from professors. Most are nice and lenient. Rate my professor will be a lifesaver.... Read 659 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,954

• SAT range —

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  1,826 reviews

Alum: AMAZING education, amazing people, amazing environment. I just graduated with my bachelors and will go back for masters! If you are looking for a warm, welcoming university that emphasizes the importance of education in adults, I would recommend this college.There are various degrees and oppourtunite to succeed at CUNY CCNY. You will never feel like you are alone and you can always reach out to their amazing staff who is always there whenever you need them. The advising department as well as the financial aid department are super helpful and attentive to students. As far as student life goes, there are multiple events and clubs one can attend and become a part of. There is also a piano in the NAC building that is free for students to stop and play during their free times. Everyone I've met here are wonderful, kind hearted people and those are the ones that I will cherish forever. I have made many of my lifelong friends here and I am thankful for everything this college gave me.... Read 1,826 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $4,213

• SAT range 1050-1260

• Albany, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  2,488 reviews

Senior: Hey, so I'm a senior at University at Albany, SUNY, and I'm loving it so far! The variety of academic programs is awesome, and I'm already eyeing some research opportunities. Campus facilities are pretty modern, but some classes are big. It'd be cool if they had smaller ones. Super diverse student body, which is great. Location-wise, being in Albany is sweet – lots of chances for internships and stuff. Maybe some more parking options would be nice, and I've heard mixed things about student support services. But overall, I'm excited to see how my time here unfolds! 😄🎓... Read 2,488 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $17,350

• SAT range 1090-1280

• Queens, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  1,244 reviews

Sophomore: Currently a sophomore student at Queens College and it is great so far! There are lots of clubs & activities to do on campus, internship opportunities, very fun social events from time to time. The drama program is excellent, offering plenty of performance opportunities to work with professionals in the theater world. The professors are all very passionate about what they do. But something I would like to see changed are quicker responses to emails regarding financial aid/registrar inquiries. I would also love to see more vegan food options in the cafeteria. There is not really a party scene because most people are commuters so everyone seems to be doing their own partying or fun on their own. Overall, I am having a great experience!... Read 1,244 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 61%

• Net price $4,777

• SAT range 1040-1190