2024 Best Colleges for Theatre in Illinois

We rigorously analyzed earnings after graduation, student loan debt, and a host of other variables to determine what colleges and universities offer the best Theatre programs in Illinois. We looked at 33 programs to put our Theatre rankings together to help you find the absolute best schools for Theatre in Illinois. ... Read More

If you’re still wondering whether Theatre is the right field of study for you, check out our guide to majoring in Theatre: what you can do with the major, how much you’ll make, and more.

For the purposes of these rankings we prioritized earnings after graduation 6 years and 10 years out for students that majored in Theatre in Illinois. Earnings are by no means the most important mark of success for a Theatre undergraduate program, but it is a variable that is widely used across universities and colleges in Illinois. In addition to salary, we also provide average student loans metric and other admissions data points.

In addition, if you scroll all the way through the list you’ll find every college or university that offers a Theatre degree in Illinois.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Universities offering Theatre Majors in Illinois

What is the best university for majoring in Theatre in Illinois?

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville (SIUE) is the best university for majoring in Theatre based on earnings data. On average, graduates from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville (SIUE) earned an average of $30,409 2 years after graduating.

What is the cheapest university for majoring in Theatre in Illinois?

Governors State University is the cheapest university for majoring in Theatre based on the Department of Education tuition data. On average, students pay $10,246 to attend Governors State University.

What is the most expensive university for majoring in Theatre in Illinois?

University of Chicago is the most expensive university for majoring in Theatre based on the Department of Education tuition data. On average, students pay $51,351 to attend University of Chicago.

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#1 Best College for Theatre
Average Salary $30,409
Average Debt $27,000
Program Size 43
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville (SIUE)
4 Year
Edwardsville, IL
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Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville (SIUE), located in Edwardsville, IL has 43 students majoring in Theatre. On average, graduates earn $30,409.
Acceptance Rate 88%
Undergraduates 3,241 students
Tuition $10,247
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#2 Best College for Theatre
Average Salary $27,439
Average Debt $27,000
Program Size 25
Knox College
4 Year
Galesburg, IL
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Knox College, located in Galesburg, IL has 25 students majoring in Theatre. On average, graduates earn $27,439.
Acceptance Rate 64%
Undergraduates 309 students
Tuition $41,847
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#3 Best College for Theatre
Average Salary $26,353
Average Debt $21,028
Program Size 122
Illinois State University
4 Year
Normal, IL
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Illinois State University, located in Normal, IL has 122 students majoring in Theatre. On average, graduates earn $26,353.
Acceptance Rate 88%
Undergraduates 5,164 students
Tuition $13,666
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#4 Best College for Theatre
Average Salary $26,353
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 13
Bradley University
4 Year
Peoria, IL
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Bradley University, located in Peoria, IL has 13 students majoring in Theatre. On average, graduates earn $26,353.
Acceptance Rate 66%
Undergraduates 1,451 students
Tuition $31,480
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#5 Best College for Theatre
Average Salary $25,967
Average Debt $25,000
Program Size 53
Loyola University Chicago (LUC)
4 Year
Chicago, IL
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Loyola University Chicago (LUC), located in Chicago, IL has 53 students majoring in Theatre. On average, graduates earn $25,967.
Acceptance Rate 71%
Undergraduates 4,485 students
Tuition $40,426
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#6 Best College for Theatre
Average Salary $25,194
Average Debt $24,500
Program Size 141
DePaul University
4 Year
Chicago, IL
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DePaul University , located in Chicago, IL has 141 students majoring in Theatre. On average, graduates earn $25,194.
Acceptance Rate 72%
Undergraduates 6,392 students
Tuition $36,361
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#7 Best College for Theatre
Average Salary $25,194
Average Debt $27,000
Program Size 49
North Central College (NCC)
4 Year
Naperville, IL
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North Central College (NCC), located in Naperville, IL has 49 students majoring in Theatre. On average, graduates earn $25,194.
Acceptance Rate 57%
Undergraduates 770 students
Tuition $35,421
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#8 Best College for Theatre
Average Salary $23,803
Average Debt $27,000
Program Size 59
Northern Illinois University
4 Year
Dekalb, IL
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Northern Illinois University, located in Dekalb, IL has 59 students majoring in Theatre. On average, graduates earn $23,803.
Acceptance Rate 50%
Undergraduates 5,217 students
Tuition $14,295
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#9 Best College for Theatre
Average Salary $23,262
Average Debt $27,000
Program Size 71
Millikin University
4 Year
Decatur, IL
Millikin University, located in Decatur, IL has 71 students majoring in Theatre. On average, graduates earn $23,262.
Acceptance Rate 60%
Undergraduates 523 students
Tuition $30,630
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#10 Best College for Theatre
Average Salary $23,134
Average Debt $15,500
Program Size 184
Northwestern University
4 Year
Evanston, IL
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Northwestern University, located in Evanston, IL has 184 students majoring in Theatre. On average, graduates earn $23,134.
Acceptance Rate 13%
Undergraduates 7,290 students
Tuition $49,047
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#11 Best College for Theatre
Average Salary $23,108
Average Debt $27,000
Program Size 98
Roosevelt University
4 Year
Chicago, IL
Roosevelt University, located in Chicago, IL has 98 students majoring in Theatre. On average, graduates earn $23,108.
Acceptance Rate 72%
Undergraduates 1,494 students
Tuition $27,300
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#12 Best College for Theatre
Average Salary $22,806
Average Debt $25,600
Program Size 325
Columbia College Chicago
4 Year
Chicago, IL
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Columbia College Chicago, located in Chicago, IL has 325 students majoring in Theatre. On average, graduates earn $22,806.
Acceptance Rate 88%
Undergraduates 1,998 students
Tuition $24,344
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#13 Best College for Theatre
Average Salary $22,424
Average Debt $22,648
Program Size 40
University of Illinois at Chicago
4 Year
Chicago, IL
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University of Illinois at Chicago, located in Chicago, IL has 40 students majoring in Theatre. On average, graduates earn $22,424.
Acceptance Rate 77%
Undergraduates 7,334 students
Tuition $13,664
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#14 Best College for Theatre
Average Salary $21,234
Average Debt $25,814
Program Size 44
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)
4 Year
Champaign, IL
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University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), located in Champaign, IL has 44 students majoring in Theatre. On average, graduates earn $21,234.
Acceptance Rate 66%
Undergraduates 12,243 students
Tuition $15,054
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#15 Best College for Theatre
Average Salary $20,140
Average Debt $27,000
Program Size 42
Illinois Wesleyan University
4 Year
Bloomington, IL
Illinois Wesleyan University, located in Bloomington, IL has 42 students majoring in Theatre. On average, graduates earn $20,140.
Acceptance Rate 62%
Undergraduates 437 students
Tuition $42,490
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Other Major Rankings
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