2026 Best Theater Arts Schools in Illinois

1

Northwestern University
Evanston, IL

Northwestern University is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in theater arts. Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Evanston. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. Northwestern University awarded about 102 theater arts degrees in the most recent data year. Theater Arts graduates of Northwestern University earn a median of $22,525 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $17,000 to complete this degree. See the full theater arts program report for Northwestern University

2

Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL

A rank of #2 makes Loyola University Chicago one of the top schools for theater arts. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Chicago. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. Loyola University Chicago awarded about 18 theater arts degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the theater arts program make about $58,568 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $22,625 to complete this degree. See the full theater arts program report for Loyola University Chicago

3

Illinois State University
Normal, IL

Illinois State University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in theater arts, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Normal, Illinois State University is a very large public institution. About 64% of students finish within six years. Illinois State University awarded about 70 theater arts degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their theater arts degree from Illinois State University earn around $28,958 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $24,246 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in theater arts from Illinois State University

4

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best theater arts schools. Located in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public university. About 85% of students finish within six years. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign awarded about 60 theater arts degrees in the most recent data year. Theater Arts graduates of University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earn a median of $24,349 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $20,500. Get the full theater arts details for University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

5

Depaul University
Chicago, IL

A rank of #5 makes Depaul University one of the top schools for theater arts. Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. About 68% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 15 theater arts students who graduated with this degree at Depaul University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, theater arts degree recipients from Depaul University generally make around $23,592. Students borrow a median of $26,348 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in theater arts from Depaul University

6

Western Illinois University
Macomb, IL

Western Illinois University placed #6 among the best theater arts schools. Western Illinois University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Macomb. Western Illinois University graduates 45% of students within six years. There were roughly 15 theater arts students who graduated with this degree at Western Illinois University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the theater arts program make about $47,926 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $27,639 to complete this degree. Read more about the theater arts program at Western Illinois University

7

University Of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL

University Of Illinois At Chicago earned the #7 position for theater arts this year. University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public school located in the city of Chicago. Roughly 62% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of Illinois At Chicago awarded about 14 theater arts degrees in the most recent data year. Theater Arts graduates of University Of Illinois At Chicago earn a median of $14,938 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $21,238 to complete this degree. See the full theater arts program report for University Of Illinois At Chicago

8

Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL

Northern Illinois University placed #8 among the best theater arts schools. Northern Illinois University is a large public school located in the suburb of Dekalb. Northern Illinois University graduates 49% of students within six years. Northern Illinois University awarded about 24 theater arts degrees in the most recent data year. Theater Arts graduates of Northern Illinois University earn a median of $21,398 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete this degree. Read more about the theater arts program at Northern Illinois University

9

Columbia College Chicago
Chicago, IL

Columbia College Chicago landed the #9 spot for theater arts this year. Set in the city of Chicago, Columbia College Chicago is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. About 52% of students finish within six years. Columbia College Chicago awarded about 15 theater arts degrees in the most recent data year. Theater Arts graduates of Columbia College Chicago earn a median of $17,929 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $26,977 to complete this degree. Read more about the theater arts program at Columbia College Chicago

10

Millikin University
Decatur, IL

Millikin University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best theater arts schools. Millikin University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Decatur. About 55% of students finish within six years. About 21 theater arts degrees were awarded at Millikin University in the most recent year. Students who receive their theater arts degree from Millikin University earn around $24,013 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in theater arts from Millikin University