Best Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Schools in Illinois

Illinois has 17 colleges offering Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 893 recent graduates. Graduates earn $22,425 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $22,828.

School choice matters significantly: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville graduates earn $28,598 while Western Illinois University graduates earn $15,922 — a $12,676 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in IL

$22,425

IL Avg. Earnings

$22,828

National Avg.

296

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft in Illinois

Public Schools (7)

$21,851

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (10)

$22,827

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $976 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Schools in Illinois, Ranked by Earnings

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Edwardsville, IL · Public

$28,598

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $24,021

Graduates: 24

Acceptance: 97.2%

Knox College

Galesburg, IL · Private

$27,439

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 71.1%

North Central College

Naperville, IL · Private

$25,194

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $22,826

Graduates: 33

Acceptance: 58.3%

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

$24,730

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $19,580

Graduates: 35

Acceptance: 81.4%

Illinois State University

Normal, IL · Public

$24,532

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $23,472

Graduates: 76

Acceptance: 89.0%

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL · Public

$23,803

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $21,211

Graduates: 42

Acceptance: 70.5%

Millikin University

Decatur, IL · Private

$23,262

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $21,700

Graduates: 59

Acceptance: 54.0%

Roosevelt University

Chicago, IL · Private

$23,108

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $22,483

Graduates: 73

Acceptance: 94.3%

University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, IL · Public

$22,424

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $18,711

Graduates: 32

Acceptance: 78.5%

#10

Bradley University

Peoria, IL · Private

Columbia College Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

$20,995

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $20,854

Graduates: 259

Acceptance: 91.2%

#12

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL · Private

$20,869

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $23,935

Graduates: 69

Acceptance: 7.1%

#13

DePaul University

Chicago, IL · Private

$20,572

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $24,597

Graduates: 96

Acceptance: 73.5%

#14

Illinois Wesleyan University

Bloomington, IL · Private

$20,140

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $18,075

Graduates: 26

Acceptance: 45.2%

#15

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Carbondale, IL · Public

$19,592

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $18,993

Graduates: 27

Acceptance: 90.4%

#16

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public

$18,087

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $21,928

Graduates: 23

Acceptance: 43.7%

#17

Western Illinois University

Macomb, IL · Public

$15,922

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $17,096

Graduates: 19

Acceptance: 75.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft in Illinois?

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ranks #1 for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft in Illinois with median graduate earnings of $28,598 within two years of graduation. There are 17 schools offering Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs in the state.

How much do Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduates earn in Illinois?

Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduates in Illinois earn an average of $22,425 within two years of graduation. This is 2% below the national average of $22,828 for this major.

What is the hardest Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft school to get into in Illinois?

Northwestern University is the most selective Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft program in Illinois with an acceptance rate of 7.1%. The average acceptance rate across Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs in the state is 70.4%.

Should I attend a public or private school for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft in Illinois?

In Illinois, private Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs produce average earnings of $22,827 vs $21,851 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 7 public and 10 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Illinois

Mathematics and Computer Science $76,967 Chemical Engineering $69,173 Industrial Engineering $69,102 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $68,897 Engineering, General $67,238 Computer Science $66,656 Computer Engineering $65,978 Materials Engineering $64,773

All colleges in Illinois →

Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft in Other States

New York California Texas Ohio Michigan Pennsylvania Georgia North Carolina Wisconsin Florida Missouri Virginia View All →

Get Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Career Insights

We're building major-specific salary reports with ROI analysis by school. Be the first to get yours.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.