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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Theatre Literature, History & Criticism Bachelor’s Degree Schools

2 Colleges in the United States
$21,782 Avg Student Debt
$70,611 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Theatre Literature, History & Criticism Bachelor's Degree Badge [Theatre Literature, History & Criticism](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/drama-and-theater-arts/theatre-literature-history-and-criticism/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 19 schools to find the best return on investment for theatre literature, history & criticism students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Theatre Literature, History & Criticism Schools in the United States

If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the theatre literature, history & criticism degrees they offer, see the list below.

Best Value Theatre Literature, History & Criticism Schools

1

For return on investment in theatre literature, history & criticism, no school beat University Of Washington Seattle Campus this year. Located in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Students borrow a median of $15,638 to complete the theatre literature, history & criticism program here. Theatre Literature, History & Criticism graduates of University Of Washington Seattle Campus earn a median of $65,681 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 39%.

2

Students looking for strong value in theatre literature, history & criticism will find it at University Of Maryland College Park, which ranked #2. Set in the suburb of College Park, University Of Maryland College Park is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for theatre literature, history & criticism graduates is $20,681. Soon after graduation, theatre literature, history & criticism degree recipients from University Of Maryland College Park generally make around $17,985. Set against $20,681 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 45%.

3

Western Michigan University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in theatre literature, history & criticism, landing the #3 spot this year. Western Michigan University is a large public school located in the city of Kalamazoo. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,987, compared with $19,952 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for theatre literature, history & criticism graduates is $26,950. Theatre Literature, History & Criticism graduates of Western Michigan University earn a median of $48,966 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,950 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.

4

Students looking for strong value in theatre literature, history & criticism will find it at Northwestern University, which ranked #4. Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Evanston. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,322. Typical student debt for theatre literature, history & criticism graduates is $17,000. Soon after graduation, theatre literature, history & criticism degree recipients from Northwestern University generally make around $78,551. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 8% of applicants are accepted.

5
Yale University crest
Yale University
New Haven, CT

Yale University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value theatre literature, history & criticism schools. Set in the city of New Haven, Yale University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,250. Students borrow a median of $14,357 to complete the theatre literature, history & criticism program here. Soon after graduation, theatre literature, history & criticism degree recipients from Yale University generally make around $74,578. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 4%.

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Depaul University crest
Depaul University
Chicago, IL

Depaul University earned the #6 position for value in theatre literature, history & criticism this year. Set in the city of Chicago, Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,405. Typical student debt for theatre literature, history & criticism graduates is $26,348. Theatre Literature, History & Criticism graduates of Depaul University earn a median of $22,021 early in their careers. Set against $26,348 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.

7
Bennington College crest
Bennington College
Bennington, VT

Bennington College came in at #7 for value in theatre literature, history & criticism this year. Bennington College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Bennington. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $66,262. Students borrow a median of $26,445 to complete the theatre literature, history & criticism program here. Soon after graduation, theatre literature, history & criticism degree recipients from Bennington College generally make around $29,031. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bennington College admits about 44% of applicants.

8

Marymount Manhattan College earned the #8 position for value in theatre literature, history & criticism this year. Marymount Manhattan College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of New York. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,870. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the theatre literature, history & criticism program here. Soon after graduation, theatre literature, history & criticism degree recipients from Marymount Manhattan College generally make around $19,562. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted.

9

Elon University placed #9 among the best values for theatre literature, history & criticism. Set in the suburb of Elon, Elon University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $46,958. Students borrow a median of $21,619 to complete the theatre literature, history & criticism program here. Theatre Literature, History & Criticism graduates of Elon University earn a median of $50,463 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,619 median debt. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted.

Other Theatre Literature, History & Criticism Degree Levels

Looking for a different degree level? Compare best-value Theatre Literature, History & Criticism rankings across degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Theatre Literature, History & Criticism
Associate's Degrees in Theatre Literature, History & Criticism
Master's Degrees in Theatre Literature, History & Criticism
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View All Theatre Literature, History & Criticism Rankings >

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Notes and References

The ranking above is published 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 · 19 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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