### SUMMARY

 Majoring in Theatre Design and Technology is a valuable choice and usually a mandatory first step for undergraduates trying to begin a career as a lighting designer, a costume designer, or a technical director. Interestingly, theatre design and technology is a ​unique degree ranking as the 258th most popular major. Last year, there were 592 theatre design and technology diplomas received. In-state tuition for theatre design and technology at private universities is, on average, 4 times more spendy than their public rivals.

 With just 94 universities having programs for theatre design and technology you could have a more finite list of the institutions that will have an option for you. If you're hoping to immerse yourself with other theatre design and technology undergraduates, consider universities in New York which have more undergraduates admitted to theatre design and technology than any other state. More generally, the best region to major in theatre design and technology is in the Great Lakes region with [Columbia College Chicago](/colleges/columbia-college-chicago), [DePaul University](/colleges/depaul-university), and [University of Cincinnati-Main Campus](/colleges/university-of-cincinnati-main-campus) best representing the region. Interestingly, our selection for the best conference to major in theatre design and technology is the City University of New York Athletic Conference with [CUNY New York City College of Technology](/colleges/cuny-new-york-city-college-of-technology) representing the conference. That being said, our choice for the best school for theatre design and technology is [University of Southern California](/colleges/university-of-southern-california). You might also want to check out our list of [best colleges](/rankings/best-colleges).

 The best school might not actually be the best school for you. There might be lots more factors to weigh when selecting institution. Things such as campus amenities, transportation services, and food would definitely change one's feelings of where to go to university. Here at Authority, we weighed the pros and cons for you. If, as an example, you want to know which theatre design and technology school is home to the best campus, the answer is [Boston University](/colleges/boston-university). If, for example, you are primarily interested in which university boasts the finest campus, then we have a whole list [dedicated to that](/rankings/best-college-campuses). We have carefully pored through government databases, professor reviews, student reviews, and more in order to compare each major in an unbiased and informative way. Here you can explore our well researched list for the universities with the [best student life](/rankings/best-student-life)&nbspand, from that list, our selection of the university with the best student life for theatre design and technology is [University of Michigan-Ann Arbor](/colleges/university-of-michigan-ann-arbor). Curious why? Continue scrolling to learn more about Authority's top choices. Many of our decisions will probably surprise you.

 If expense is a primary factor in your decision on where to go to school, you might consider avoiding [University of Southern California](/colleges/university-of-southern-california). [University of Southern California](/colleges/university-of-southern-california)&nbspis the most expensive university for theatre design and technology, at least regarding out of state attendance. We do have an entire list of the [most expensive](/rankings/most-expensive-colleges)&nbspcolleges that could put the cost of [University of Southern California](/colleges/university-of-southern-california)&nbspinto perspective. You may also be interested to know that theatre design and technology is the 175th most expensive program in the nation, with an average cost of $32,000. To zoom out a little, the most costly state for theatre design and technology in the nation is California with expenses at the main three colleges California Institute of the Arts of $50,850, Pepperdine University of $55,640, and at University of Southern California of $55,640. Even more broadly, the most expensive region for theatre design and technology is the New England region which is best demonstrated with [University of Connecticut](/colleges/university-of-connecticut) with a cost of $36,466, [Boston University](/colleges/boston-university) with a cost of $54,720, and [Emerson College](/colleges/emerson-college) with a cost of $48,280.

 Our cheapest region for theatre design and technology is the Rocky Mountains region which is represented by [Dixie State University](/colleges/dixie-state-university) with a cost of $14,976. More optimistically, the most affordable college for theatre design and technology is [SUNY at Purchase College](/colleges/suny-at-purchase-college). Our entire list of the most affordable universities can be explored [here](/rankings/most-affordable-colleges).

 In-state students can expect to pay about $10,800 for a degree in theatre design and technology. That cost grows significantly to an average of $26,100 for an out-of-state public-school student. On that note, our choice for the school with the best value for theatre design and technology: [University of Southern California](/colleges/university-of-southern-california). On this page you can see our comprehensive list for the schools we believe to be the [best value](/rankings/best-value-colleges)&nbspoverall. That being said, this idea is predicated on out-of-state tuition costs. A discussion of value changes when in-state tuition is considered, but we do not know where you live (and are not trying to collect that kind of data).

 Earnings for theatre design and technology majors differ a lot, but within two years graduation graduates will typically earn around $48,900. While there can be a lot of variation in earnings potential; highest paid earners can rake in up to $102,100. Straight out of school, the lowest earning positions within the theatre design and technology field earn $24,000, which isn't that bad. The top earning grads for theatre design and technology graduated from [University of Southern California](/colleges/university-of-southern-california)&nbspand if you are looking for universities with all of the [highest earning graduates](/rankings/highest-earning-graduates), we have that too.

 The all-around diversity of theatre design and technology is near the bottom, ranking in only the 24th percentile of all programs. The college with the most composite diversity for theatre design and technology is [Boston University](/colleges/boston-university)&nbspand here you can find our general list for the universities which have the [most diversity](/rankings/most-diverse-colleges). The overall financial diversity of Theatre Design and Technology ranks only within the 56th percentile compared to all other majors. Racial diversity is even less in the 21st percentile. White collegians make up the largest share, 75%, of those majoring in theatre design and technology. Additionally, 66% of undergrads seeking a theatre design and technology degree are women.

 The median rating for theatre design and technology professors is 4 stars, a rating which is right on the median across all majors; this is a fine. If you are looking for the most popular theatre design and technology instructor nationally, consider looking up Brenda Wentworth at [Saint Cloud State University](/colleges/saint-cloud-state-university). It may come as a shock, but the top rated theatre design and technology professors according to students are at [Humboldt State University](/colleges/humboldt-state-university). As we incorporate data beyond just rankings we find that the college possessing the overall best instructors for theatre design and technology is [Boston University](/colleges/boston-university). One will find more detail on our ever evolving ranking methodology for the [best overall professors here](/rankings/best-professors), along with many of the finest examples of professors nationwide.

 Finally, the most difficult university to get into for theatre design and technology is [University of Southern California](/colleges/university-of-southern-california). While we do not necessarily see the value in it, we have a detailed page for the [hardest colleges to get into](/rankings/hardest-colleges-to-get-into). Although, we do hope you believe that approaching the higher education world through a lens only formed from superlatives could be said to be the root of many of higher education's fundamental issues. We at Authority hope you look at some of our more nuanced pages on individual schools and explore some of our helpful background articles on essential details to consider as you continue your university search.



 ### POPULARITY

 Theatre design and technology is the 258th most popular degree in America, with 592 students receiving their bachelors degree last year. It just beat out #259 [Environmental Design](/rankings/best-colleges-for-environmental-design), and narrowly lost to #257 [Engineering Science](/rankings/best-colleges-for-engineering-science).

 The degree is offered at a total of 94 colleges across the nation, and is the 176th most widely offered degree. It is only offered at 6% of the Top 100 [Best Colleges](/rankings/best-colleges) in America.

 It is also worth noting that about 5/8 of colleges offering theatre design and technology are public making it a quite accessible field.

 The great lakes produces the most theatre design and technology graduates, largely led by [Columbia College Chicago](/colleges/columbia-college-chicago), while it’s the City University of New York Athletic Conference that leads conference totals. As far as states, New York ranks highest, with particular help from [CUNY New York City College of Technology](/colleges/cuny-new-york-city-college-of-technology) and [Ithaca College](/colleges/ithaca-college).

 All that being said, no individual school produces more theatre design and technology graduates than [Central Arizona College](/colleges/central-arizona-college), which graduated 49 students last year alone. Although size is critical, another important factor to consider is the program’s density (the percent of all students that study theatre design and technology). More students studied theatre design and technology as a percentage of total students at [University of North Carolina School of the Arts](/colleges/university-of-north-carolina-school-of-the-arts) than any other college.



 ### COST

 Theatre design and technology is the 175th most expensive degree in the US, with a median cost of $32,025 amongst the top 50 programs (just ahead of #176, [Engineering Science](rankings/best-colleges-for-engineering-science), with a median cost of $31,985).

 New England has the most expensive schools with top 50 theatre design and technology programs led by [University of Connecticut](/colleges/university-of-connecticut) with an annual cost of $36,466. The most expensive state for theatre design and technology is California led by [California Institute of the Arts](/colleges/california-institute-of-the-arts) and [Pepperdine University](/colleges/pepperdine-university).

 Public schools with good programs generally charge 74.88% less than private schools for in-state students. When looking at out-of-state tuition however, the median top 50 Public school charges 38.96% less than your average private school. So be sure to look into public shools in your state ASAP.

 The most costly option in the top 25 is [University of Southern California](/colleges/university-of-southern-california), which is the 14th most expensive college in the US. The most affordable option in the top 100 is [University of North Georgia](/colleges/university-of-north-georgia). It costs just $12,534 per year, and it's ranked 33rd for its theatre design and technology program. If you’re looking for the least expensive option in the top 25, [CUNY New York City College of Technology](/colleges/cuny-new-york-city-college-of-technology)  is probably a good fit for you, ranked #25 with an in-state cost of just $6,930. Another more affordable option would be #9, [SUNY at Purchase College](/colleges/suny-at-purchase-college) in Westchester County, NY with a cost of $7,070 for in-state students and $16,980 for out-of-state students.



### SALARY

 Enrolling in college is an important investment for most people. It is critical to be confident you justify that cash outlay. Therefore, we hope the following career and earnings information help you make an intelligent decision when picking your major.

 The average Theatre Design and Technology major earns a starting income of $23,577 per annum (bottom 3%). Further into their professions, they can earn as high as $102,097 a year to as little as $24,020, but average about $48,899. Just so you know, that's 27% more than the U.S. average.

 The most common job for a Theatre Design and Technology graduate is Account Executive, which by and large earn about $36,000; next are Consultant and Marketing Internship, which generally make near $56,000 and $24,000 respectively.

 The highest grossing region for Theatre Design and Technology graduates is New England. The highest grossing state for Theatre Design and Technology graduates is WI. Atlantic Coast Conference has the most well paid Theatre Design and Technology graduates of any conference..



### PROFESSORS

 Fast Facts for Theatre Design and Technology: Median Professor Rating: 4 / 5, which is below average.

 Professors always play an important role in your college experience, no matter what you major in. A thought-provoking professor could provide inspiration and even make a difficult subject seem easy. On the other hand, an unpleasant professor can turn you off of a subject or even worse... fail you!

 Theatre Design and Technology professors have a median student rating of 4 out of 5, putting these professors in the upper 70th percentile in the United States based on overall professor quality. Suprisingly, this major is exactly the median for professor rating, which, in our opinion, is remarkably average! Theatre Design and Technology professors just edged-out those from ["Biology"](/rankings/best-colleges-for-biology), whereas ["Business"](/rankings/best-colleges-for-business)&nbspprofessors ranked one slot above Theatre Design and Technology.

 Now for some statistics about Theatre Design and Technology professors. Colleges located in large suburbs tend to have the best Theatre Design and Technology professors. The Southern States Athletic Conference has the highest rated Theatre Design and Technology professors. The Southeast region has the highest rated Theatre Design and Technology professors. Private colleges tend to have higher rated Theatre Design and Technology professors than public schools. Finally, Louisiana has the highest rated Theatre Design and Technology professors in the US.

 Brenda Wentworth, instructor at [Saint Cloud State University](/colleges/saint-cloud-state-university)&nbspin Saint Cloud, MN is the most popular Theatre Design and Technology professor in the United States. Tina Wallum, instructor at [University of Minnesota-Twin Cities](/colleges/university-of-minnesota-twin-cities)&nbspin Minneapolis, MN is the highest rated Theatre Design and Technology professor in America, with a rating of 5 / 5.

 Learn which schools have the [Best Professors](/rankings/best-professors)!



### STUDENTS

 College can be a fabulously significant time of one's life; it's an opportunity for personal progress and expansion. Pupils try to figure out what they desire to do and cultivate many of the needed skills to be a thriving member of society. But growth goes far beyond the classroom - the late nights discussing Camus with a schoolmate, the personal lesson learned from a tenured professor, the exposure to a different way of viewing the world. As such, a diverse student body greatly improves what one gains from the time spent at university.

 Theatre Design and Technology is a less racially diverse major than average\*. 75% of the United States' Theatre Design and Technology majors are white students, followed by latino students (10%), students of other races\*\*(8%), and asian students (4%). The most ethnically diverse college\* in the top 100 is [University of Nevada-Las Vegas](/colleges/university-of-nevada-las-vegas) located in Las Vegas, NV.

 Additionally, Theatre Design and Technology significatly skews female, with 66% of students majoring in Theatre Design and Technology identifying as women. The most gender balanced school in the top 100 is [Belmont University](/colleges/belmont-university) in Nashville, TN.

 Another important type of diversity is socioeconomic diversity. Theatre Design and Technology ranks pretty close to the median for socioeconomic diversity (44th percentile). 30% of its majors come from high income households, 16% are from households with $48,000 to $75,000 annual incomes, and 23% grew up in homes with a sub $30,000 yearly income. [University of North Carolina School of the Arts](/colleges/university-of-north-carolina-school-of-the-arts) has the most economically diverse student body in the top 100.

 Considering each type of diversity, overall NV is the most diverse state for Theatre Design and Technology. The Southwest is the most diverse region, and the Mountain West Conference is the most diverse conference.

   \* diversity calculations and comparisons are based on [Simpson's Diversity Index](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity_index)   
  \*\* other races is used to refer to non asian, black, latino, or white

  #### Diversity Statistics

  ##### Racial Diversity

 * Asian: 4%
* Black: 4%
* Latino: 10%
* White: 75%
* Other: 8%
  ##### Gender Diversity

 * Male: 34%
* Female: 66%
  ##### Socioeconomic Diversity (By Household Income)

 * Under 30k: 23%
* 30k - 48k: 15%
* 48k - 75k: 16%
* 75k - 110k: 16%
* Over 110k: 30%
  ##### Geographic Diversity

 * In State: 66%
* Out of State: 28%
* International: 6%


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There are about 4,515 students enrolled in Theatre Design and Technology in the USA.

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There are about 4,515 students enrolled in Theatre Design and Technology in the USA.

PROFESSORS