Drew University
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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
No Interview
Moderately Selective
25-40 Students
University App Required
Study Abroad
Program Highlights
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•BA in Theatre Arts within a liberal arts framework at Drew University in Madison, NJ
•Consistently ranked among the top 25 college theater programs in the nation by Princeton Review — ranked 23rd in 2025
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Elizabeth Timperman C'92 — Tony Award-Winning Producer
•Lauren Messeck C'14 — Assistant Stage Manager, Lincoln Center
•Buist Bickley C'07 — Production Properties Supervisor, Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on Broadway
TRAINING & OPPORTUNITIES
•Host to the Semester on New York Theatre (TREC), offering access to Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, artist meet-and-greets, and hands-on workshops
•Students can intern with companies in New Jersey, New York City, and internationally across a range of careers: casting directors, arts administrators, directors, producers, performers, designers/technicians, literary managers/dramaturgs, educators, and drama/dance therapists
•Drew graduates have been accepted into prestigious graduate programs throughout the country
ARTIST CONNECTIONS
•Artist-in-Residence program brings working professionals to campus (e.g., stage and TV director Scott Ellis in 2024)
•Post-grad connection with Tectonic Theatre Project
STUDENT LIFE
•Student organizations include Drew Improv Players, Drew U Dance Company, DUDS, Film Production Club, Sunday Brunchers Playwriting Society, and Goof Troop Sketch Comedy Club
STUDY ABROAD
•Theatre Immersion in London and Edinburgh shortTREC program (Summer 2026: July 28 – August 14, 2026; $5,900 program fee including 4-credit tuition, accommodations, some meals, local transportation, and excursions) — attend West End productions, Shakespeare's Globe, and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Expert Tips
Take advantage of Drew's relationship with The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey by vying for internships and other opportunities.
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Deadlines
Early DecisionNov 1, 2025
Early ActionDec 1, 2025
Early Decision IIJan 15, 2026
Regular DecisionFeb 1, 2026
Fee
$40Waiver
Submission Requirements
DREW SCHOLARSHIP FOR THE ARTS (optional)
•Submitted via student account portal after Common App is received
•$1,500/year ($6,000 over four years) for students with demonstrated arts talent
PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS BY DISCIPLINE:
•Acting: Two contrasting monologue videos (no live performances)
•Dance: Recording of applicant where they are featured and clearly noted
•Playwriting: One script — stage play or screenplay
•Design: Images showcasing final designs and/or drawings/plans for set, lighting, sound, costume, makeup, props, or programs
Good to Know
APPLICATION
•Apply via Common App — no audition required for admission
•Admission is based on academic credentials
ARTS SCHOLARSHIP (OPTIONAL)
•After Common App is received, complete the Drew Scholarship for the Arts application via the student account portal
•$1,500/year ($6,000 over four years), in addition to any academic merit awards
•Recipients not required to major in an arts field but are expected to participate in the fine or performing arts throughout college
ENROLLMENT
•After February 1, applications accepted on a space-available basis
What's The Process
ARTS SCHOLARSHIP PROCESS:
•Students interested in the Drew Scholarship for the Arts submit a separate arts portfolio via the student account portal after their Common App is received
•Select a concentration (Acting, Dance, Playwriting, or Design) and attach a portfolio with appropriate examples of work
•Scholarship applications are reviewed alongside the admissions application
•Priority deadline matches your selected admission decision plan (Feb 1 for Regular Decision)
Scholarship Info
ARTS SCHOLARSHIP
•Drew Scholarship for the Arts: $1,500/year ($6,000 over four years), in addition to any academic merit awards; recipients expected to participate in fine or performing arts throughout college career
DEPARTMENTAL AWARDS
•President's Award in Theatre: Awarded by theatre faculty to a graduating senior exhibiting exemplary dedication and superior work across theatrical disciplines
•Vincent and Genovina Porcelli Scholarship: For a junior who has made substantial contributions to Drew theatre and achieved academic distinction
•Robert Fisher Oxnam/Ensemble Studio Theatre Award in Playwriting: Competitive honor open to all Drew students, comes with a cash award
•Thomas H. Kean Scholarship: Offered annually by the Garden State Arts Center Foundation to a New Jersey resident studying theatre at Drew (and select other NJ schools)
INTERNSHIP FUNDING
•Joseph Patenaude Internships: Substantial financial support for students doing theatre internships during the school year or summer
Program info updated 2 days ago
Academic School Information
3.53
Avg GPA (W)
69%
Admit Rate
73%
Grad Rate
1,510
Enrollment
$63,646
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$45,360
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$25,644
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Annual Cost by Family Income
Family Income $0 - $30k$13,177
Family Income $30k - $48k$20,060
Family Income $48k - $75k$19,926
Family Income $75k - $110k$28,090
Family Income $110k+$34,219
