2026 Best Value Theater Design & Technology Schools in Illinois

1

Millikin University
Decatur, IL

Leading the list is Millikin University, our #1 best value for theater design & technology in Illinois. Millikin University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Decatur. Students from in state pay about $26,792 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for theater design & technology graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, theater design & technology degree recipients from Millikin University generally make around $24,013. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 67%.

2

University Of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL

University Of Illinois At Chicago is a great value for students pursuing a degree in theater design & technology, landing the #2 spot this year. University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public school located in the city of Chicago. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,949, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. Theater Design & Technology graduates carry a median of $21,238 in student loans. Soon after graduation, theater design & technology degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Chicago generally make around $14,938. That is a strong return on a $21,238 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%.

3

North Central College
Naperville, IL

A rank of #3 makes North Central College one of the best values for theater design & technology. North Central College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Naperville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,726. Students borrow a median of $21,000 to complete the theater design & technology program here. Theater Design & Technology graduates of North Central College earn a median of $20,416 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Central College admits about 77% of applicants.

4

Columbia College Chicago
Chicago, IL

Columbia College Chicago came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value theater design & technology schools. Set in the city of Chicago, Columbia College Chicago is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,088. Typical student debt for theater design & technology graduates is $26,977. Soon after graduation, theater design & technology degree recipients from Columbia College Chicago generally make around $17,929. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Columbia College Chicago admits about 90% of applicants.

5

Depaul University
Chicago, IL

Depaul University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in theater design & technology, landing the #5 spot this year. Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,405. Typical student debt for theater design & technology graduates is $26,348. Early-career theater design & technology graduates make about $23,592. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%.

6

Illinois Wesleyan University
Bloomington, IL

Illinois Wesleyan University landed the #6 spot for theater design & technology value this year. Located in the city of Bloomington, Illinois Wesleyan University is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $57,704. Theater Design & Technology graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Theater Design & Technology graduates of Illinois Wesleyan University earn a median of $19,490 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted.