by our College Data Analytics Team
[Acting](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/drama-and-theater-arts/acting/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong acting education at a price that pays off.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 9 schools to find the best return on investment for acting students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the acting degrees they offer, see the list below.
Millikin University tops our 2026 list of the best value acting schools in Illinois. Millikin University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Decatur. In-state tuition and fees average $26,792. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the acting program here. Acting graduates of Millikin University earn a median of $24,013 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Illinois At Chicago is a great value for students pursuing a degree in acting, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Chicago, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,949, while out-of-state students pay about $32,009. Acting graduates carry a median of $21,238 in student loans. Soon after graduation, acting degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Chicago generally make around $14,938. Set against $21,238 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%.
Students looking for strong value in acting will find it at Roosevelt University, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Chicago, Roosevelt University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $21,315 in tuition and fees. Acting graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Early-career acting graduates make about $21,001. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roosevelt University admits about 97% of applicants.
A rank of #4 makes Columbia College Chicago one of the best values for acting. Set in the city of Chicago, Columbia College Chicago is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,088 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for acting graduates is $26,977. Acting graduates of Columbia College Chicago earn a median of $17,929 early in their careers. Set against $26,977 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.
Northwestern University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in acting, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Evanston, Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,322. Acting graduates carry a median of $17,000 in student loans. Acting graduates of Northwestern University earn a median of $22,525 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,000 median debt. Roughly 8% of applicants are accepted.
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Depaul University earned the #6 position for value in acting this year. Located in the city of Chicago, Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,405. Acting graduates carry a median of $26,348 in student loans. Soon after graduation, acting degree recipients from Depaul University generally make around $23,592. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.
Illinois Wesleyan University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value acting schools. Located in the city of Bloomington, Illinois Wesleyan University is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $57,704. Acting graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career acting graduates make about $19,490. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Illinois Wesleyan University admits about 39% of applicants.
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 9 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.