Looking to pursue a career in acting? The USA is home to some of the world’s best acting schools that offer world-class training, experienced faculty, strong alumni networks and high placement rates. In this guide, we list the top acting schools in USA, their notable programs, average tuition fees, admission requirements and career prospects for international and domestic students.
Why Study Acting in USA?
The United States has long been a global hub for performing arts, with New York and Los Angeles being major centres for film, TV, and theatre. Whether you’re dreaming of Broadway, Hollywood, or global streaming platforms, studying acting in the USA opens doors to countless opportunities. The best acting schools in the USA offer rigorous training, top-notch facilities, professional networking, and industry exposure. Many institutions also help students with auditions, internships, and career guidance.
Top Acting Schools in the USA
Below is a list of the best acting schools in USA, known for their intensive programs, experienced mentors, and global reputation.
1. Juilliard School (New York City, NY)
The Juilliard School is widely regarded as one of the best performing arts schools in the world. Located in the heart of New York City, Juilliard offers an exceptional drama program with a rigorous curriculum and the opportunity to train under some of the industry’s most respected instructors. Juilliard’s acting program is highly selective and provides students with intensive training in voice, movement, improvisation, and text analysis.
The school’s strong reputation in the entertainment industry ensures that graduates are well-prepared to pursue careers on Broadway, in film, television, and other professional performing arts arenas.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | New York City, New York |
| Founded | 1905 |
| Acceptance Rate | About 6% |
| Tuition | About $50,000 per year |
| Class Size | Small, with an average of 18 students per cohort |
| Notable Alumni | Robin Williams, Viola Davis, Kevin Spacey |
| Website | Juilliard |
2. Yale School of Drama (New Haven, CT)
Yale School of Drama offers one of the most prestigious acting programs in the world. Known for its deep academic and practical approach, Yale’s drama program focuses on training actors in a variety of theatrical traditions, including classical, contemporary, and experimental theatre. Yale provides students with the chance to work with professional directors, designers, and playwrights, offering invaluable exposure to the creative processes that shape theatre productions.
The program also emphasizes voice training, stage combat, and movement, providing actors with a holistic education that prepares them for a range of roles in stage and screen.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | New Haven, Connecticut |
| Founded | 1701 |
| Acceptance Rate | About 6% |
| Tuition | About $32,000 per year |
| Class Size | 20-25 students per cohort |
| Notable Alumni | Meryl Streep, Angela Bassett, Paul Giamatti |
| Website | Yale School of Drama |
3. California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) (Valencia, CA)
California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) is known for its avant-garde approach to acting, theatre, and performing arts. Located in Valencia, California, CalArts offers a unique blend of artistic freedom and rigorous training. The program is interdisciplinary, allowing students to explore various forms of performance, including traditional theatre, physical theatre, and film.
CalArts is also home to the highly regarded Theatre School, where students can train in acting, directing, and design. The school’s close ties to the entertainment industry provide students with opportunities to gain professional experience while still in school.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Valencia, California |
| Founded | 1961 |
| Acceptance Rate | About 24% |
| Tuition | About $47,000 per year |
| Class Size | Small, typically 15-20 students per cohort |
| Notable Alumni | Tim Burton, Edward James Olmos, Don Cheadle |
| Website | CalArts |
4. Tisch School of the Arts – New York University (NYU) (New York City, NY)
NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts offers one of the most renowned acting programs in USA. The program combines hands-on training with the study of theatre history, dramaturgy, and literature. Tisch’s acting students have access to a wide variety of performance opportunities, including staged productions, student films, and internships with New York’s leading theatre companies.
Tisch’s location in the cultural epicenter of New York City provides students with access to professional acting opportunities, auditions, and career connections in theatre, television, and film.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | New York City, New York |
| Founded | 1965 |
| Acceptance Rate | About 8% |
| Tuition | About $56,000 per year |
| Class Size | 16-20 students per cohort |
| Notable Alumni | Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Philip Seymour Hoffman |
| Website | Tisch School of the Arts |
5. The American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA) (New York City, NY & Los Angeles, CA)
The American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA) offers one of the most comprehensive acting programs for aspiring actors, with campuses in both New York City and Los Angeles. AADA provides students with an in-depth foundation in acting, voice training, and movement techniques. The school emphasizes practical performance skills and prepares students for both stage and screen work.
AADA has a long history of producing successful alumni who have gone on to make a significant impact in Hollywood and Broadway.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | New York City, New York & Los Angeles, CA |
| Founded | 1884 |
| Acceptance Rate | About 25% |
| Tuition | About $20,000 per year |
| Class Size | Small, typically 15-20 students per cohort |
| Notable Alumni | Robert Redford, Anne Hathaway, Danny DeVito |
| Website | AADA |
6. Northwestern University School of Communication (Evanston, IL)
Northwestern University’s School of Communication offers a highly competitive acting program that emphasizes both theatrical and media performance. Students have the opportunity to work with world-class faculty and gain practical experience in Northwestern’s theatre productions, film projects, and industry internships.
Northwestern’s acting program is known for producing versatile actors who can work across multiple platforms, from Broadway to Hollywood.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Evanston, Illinois |
| Founded | 1851 |
| Acceptance Rate | About 9% |
| Tuition | About $60,000 per year |
| Class Size | 20-25 students per cohort |
| Notable Alumni | Julia Louis-Dreyfus, David Schwimmer, Warren Beatty |
| Website | Northwestern School of Communication |
7. The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) (London, UK)
Note: While not in the USA, RADA offers a prestigious program that attracts many international students.
The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) is one of the most prestigious drama schools in the world. Although based in London, RADA draws students from around the world, including the USA, due to its exceptional reputation in theatre training. RADA offers intensive training in classical and contemporary theatre, voice, movement, and stagecraft.
Many of its alumni have gone on to have successful careers in both the UK and international theatre, television, and film industries.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | London, UK |
| Founded | 1904 |
| Acceptance Rate | Very selective |
| Tuition | About £22,000 per year |
| Class Size | Small, with around 25 students per cohort |
| Notable Alumni | Anthony Hopkins, Benedict Cumberbatch, Imelda Staunton |
| Website | RADA |
8. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) – School of Theater, Film, and Television (Los Angeles, CA)
UCLA’s School of Theater, Film, and Television offers one of the best acting programs in the country, with a strong focus on both traditional theatre and contemporary performance. The program provides students with hands-on training in acting, voice, movement, and on-camera work, preparing them for careers in film, television, and stage productions.
UCLA’s location in Los Angeles, the heart of the entertainment industry, gives students access to numerous acting opportunities, industry connections, and internships.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Los Angeles, California |
| Founded | 1919 |
| Acceptance Rate | About 14% |
| Tuition | About $43,000 per year |
| Class Size | 20-30 students per cohort |
| Notable Alumni | James Franco, Ben Stiller, Sally Field |
| Website | UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television |
Eligibility Criteria to Study Acting in the USA
| Criteria | Undergraduate Acting | Graduate Acting (MFA) |
| Age Requirement | 17+ years | 21+ years |
| Academic Qualification | 10+2 or equivalent | Bachelor’s degree |
| English Proficiency | TOEFL 80+ / IELTS 6.5+ | TOEFL 90+ / IELTS 7.0+ |
| Auditions/Portfolios | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| Letters of Recommendation | Usually required | Required |
| Statement of Purpose (SOP) | Optional | Required |
Tuition Fees for Acting Schools in the USA
| Acting School | Average Annual Tuition Fee (USD) |
| Juilliard School | $52,250 |
| Yale School of Drama | Tuition-free (2025) |
| NYU Tisch | $63,000 |
| USC School of Dramatic Arts | $66,000 |
| Carnegie Mellon | $61,000 |
| CalArts | $56,000 |
| American Conservatory Theater | $32,000 |
| Boston University CFA | $62,000 |
| Northwestern University | $66,000 |
| UCLA School of TFT | $46,326 |
Career Scope After Acting School in the USA
Graduating from a top acting school can lead to various career paths:
- Film & TV Actor
- Stage Performer
- Voice-over Artist
- Drama Teacher or Coach
- Screenwriter or Director
- Theatre Company Artist
- Casting Associate
- Social Media/YouTube Creator
Top acting programs in the USA often provide job placement assistance, alumni connections, and showcase opportunities with agents and directors.
Conclusion
Studying at a top acting school in the USA in 2026 offers unmatched benefits in terms of training, exposure, and networking. From Juilliard’s prestige to Yale’s tuition-free MFA and NYU’s central NYC location, there’s a fit for every aspiring actor. Choose a program that matches your artistic vision, budget, and long-term career goals. Whether you aim for Broadway or Hollywood, these schools can help turn your passion into a successful profession.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long does it take to become an actor?
Becoming an actor varies by individual, but most acting programs, such as a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), typically take four years to complete. Master’s programs and other advanced training may take an additional 1-2 years.
Q2: Do acting schools only focus on theatre?
No, many acting schools offer training in both theatre and film/television, preparing students for careers in all aspects of performance.
Q3: Is a degree in acting necessary to become an actor?
While a formal acting degree is not required, it can provide essential training and connections. Many successful actors have attended prestigious drama schools, but others may have gained experience through auditions, training workshops, and real-world experience.
Q4: How competitive are acting schools?
Acting schools, particularly prestigious ones like Juilliard and Yale, are highly competitive with acceptance rates of 5-10% or even lower, depending on the program. This makes the audition process rigorous and selective.
Q5: What can I expect from an acting program?
An acting program typically includes voice training, movement classes, acting techniques, scene study, improvisation, and performance practice. Some programs also offer training in film acting or directing.
Q6: What is the best acting school in America?
The Juilliard School in New York is widely considered the best acting school in America. It offers rigorous conservatory training, world-renowned faculty, and alumni including Robin Williams, Viola Davis, and Adam Driver.
Q7: What are the 4 schools of acting?
The four main acting methods are:
1. Stanislavski System (emotional truth),
2. Meisner Technique (reaction-based),
3. Lee Strasberg’s Method Acting,
4. Stella Adler Technique (imagination and script analysis).Q8: Can I study acting in USA?
Yes, international and domestic students can study acting in the USA. Many universities and conservatories offer acting degrees, and international students can apply for an F-1 student visa to enroll.
Q9: How much does acting school cost in USA?
Acting school in the USA typically costs $20,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on the institution. Private conservatories may be more expensive, while public universities often offer lower tuition rates.
Q10: How much does it cost to study acting in USA?
The average cost to study acting in the U.S. ranges from $25,000 to $50,000 annually, including tuition, housing, and fees. Scholarships are available for talented students through auditions and merit.
Q11: Is Yale School of Drama free for international students?
Yes, as of 2021, the Yale School of Drama offers full-tuition scholarships to all admitted students, including international students, making it tuition-free for everyone enrolled in degree programs.
Q12: How can I join acting in USA?
To start acting in the USA, enroll in an accredited acting program, join industry unions like SAG-AFTRA, attend auditions, build a portfolio, and network in cities like New York or Los Angeles.
Q13: What is the best country to study acting?
The United States is the best country to study acting due to its world-class schools, thriving film and theater industries, and access to international casting and career opportunities.
Q14: What university has the best acting program?
New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts is highly ranked for acting, offering intensive studio training and strong connections to Broadway, film, and television industries.
Q15: What is the most famous acting school in USA?
The Juilliard School is the most famous acting school in the U.S., known for its elite training and successful alumni who have won Oscars, Emmys, and Tonys.
Q16: Is Harvard good for acting?
Yes, Harvard offers strong theater programs through Harvard University’s American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.), but it’s more academic compared to conservatories like Juilliard or Yale Drama School.
Q17: What is the most successful acting school?
Juilliard and Yale School of Drama are considered the most successful acting schools, producing top-tier talent consistently seen in film, television, and on Broadway.
Q18: How much do actors get paid?
Actor salaries vary. Entry-level actors may earn $20,000 to $50,000 annually, while top actors in film and television can earn millions. Union jobs through SAG-AFTRA offer minimum rates and benefits.