USA’s Best Acting Schools for Aspiring Performers

Dreaming of a career on stage or screen? The USA is home to some of the world’s best acting schools, offering top-notch training, expert faculty, and exciting industry connections. From the legendary halls of Juilliard to the creative spaces of CalArts, these schools prepare actors to shine on Broadway, in Hollywood, and beyond. With small class sizes, hands-on experience, and impressive alumni, these programs help turn passion into a professional career. If you’re serious about acting, these are the schools worth knowing. 

Best Acting Schools in USA

Juilliard School

Founded in 1905, Juilliard School in New York City is widely considered the gold standard for acting schools around the world. Each year, over 2,000 hopeful actors audition, but only 18 are accepted into the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program, making the acceptance rate just 8%.  

The school enrolls around 800 students across all disciplines, creating a vibrant artistic community right in the heart of Lincoln Center, New York’s cultural hub. Graduates from Juilliard are some of the most recognizable faces in the industry, including Viola Davis, Adam Driver, and Jessica Chastain. Plus, 90% of graduates are working within their field soon after graduation. Below are the key details of Juilliard School: 

Tisch School of the Arts (NYU)

Since 1965, NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts has been a powerhouse of creativity, located right in the center of Manhattan. Each year, Tisch admits about 60 students, with an acceptance rate of around 16%. Students earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) while gaining real-world experience through New York’s vibrant theater scene, on-campus productions, and industry connections.  

Notable alumni include Anne Hathaway, Mahershala Ali, and Lady Gaga, who all got their start at Tisch. With nearly 95% of graduates finding work in the arts or pursuing further studies, Tisch is a top destination for aspiring actors. Below are the key details of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts: 

David Geffen Yale School of Drama

Founded in 1924, the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale University is one of the most prestigious and exclusive acting schools in the world. Known for its Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Acting program, Yale accepts only 16-18 students per year, making the acceptance rate a slim 5%. The school focuses on advanced acting techniques, script analysis, voice work, and collaborative storytelling, creating actors who are not only performers but also thoughtful artists. Thanks to a historic $150 million donation from David Geffen in 2021, all admitted students receive a full scholarship. Below are the key details of David Geffen School of Drama at Yale University: 

Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama

Founded in 1914, Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Drama in Pittsburgh is the oldest degree-granting drama program in the United States and remains one of the most competitive. With an acceptance rate between 4-8%, CMU’s Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Acting attracts thousands of applicants each year, but only 20-30 students are accepted. 

CMU’s alumni have gone on to win Emmys, Tonys, and Oscars, including stars like Ted Danson, Holly Hunter, and Billy Porter. About 93% of graduates find work in the arts industry shortly after leaving the program. Below are the key details of Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Drama: 

California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)

Founded in 1961, California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) is famous for its bold, experimental, and interdisciplinary approach to acting. Located just outside Los Angeles in Valencia, California, CalArts offers both Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programs in Acting, designed for students who want to break boundaries and redefine performance art. With an acceptance rate of around 25%, CalArts welcomes 8-10 students per acting class, giving students plenty of individual attention and freedom to create original, innovative theater. Below are the key details of California Institute of the Arts: 

University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA)

Established in 1963, the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) offers one of the most affordable and highly respected conservatory-style acting programs in the U.S. Based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the university has an acceptance rate between 20-30%, and enrolls around 20-30 students per year, allowing for close mentorship and strong community bonds. 

Known for fostering talent that thrives in both stage and screen careers, over 90% of graduates find success in the entertainment industry soon after completing their Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree. Below are the key details of University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA): 

Conclusion

Choosing the right acting school is your first step toward a successful career in the arts. Whether you want the tradition of Yale, the innovation of CalArts, or the community of UNCSA, each of these top schools offers the tools and support you need to thrive. With high employment rates and incredible alumni, these programs prove that the best acting schools in the USA don’t just teach performance—they help launch your future. Take your talent to the next level and make your mark on the industry!