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Cheapest Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Colleges in Illinois

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

The most affordable drama program in Illinois costs just $8,837 annually at Millikin University, while some private colleges charge over $18,000 net despite their higher sticker prices. Public universities dominate the lower cost tiers, with University of Illinois Springfield offering theatre training for under $9,000 per year. Drama graduates from these programs earn between $15,922 and $28,598 early in their careers, with Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville alumni commanding the highest starting salaries. Chicago's theatre scene provides abundant internship and employment opportunities for Illinois drama students, from the well-known Steppenwolf Theatre to smaller storefront productions throughout the city. The state's MAP Grant program helps reduce costs further for qualifying students, making professional theatre training accessible across economic backgrounds. Graduation rates vary significantly, from 19.6% at Governors State to 84.9% at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, suggesting program structure and student support differ widely among institutions.
36
Programs
$8,837 – $35,196
Net Price Range
$22,425
Avg. Program Earnings
60.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

36 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
2 $8,916 $12,252 61.4% 82.0%
3 $9,477 $11,320 19.6% 57.5%
4 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
5 $12,313 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
6 $12,437 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%
7 $12,909 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
8 $13,696 $12,922 55.0% 97.5%
9 $14,093 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
10 $15,113 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
11 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
12 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
13 $16,774 $36,258 47.4% 93.0%
14 $17,945 $37,470 61.1% 77.2%
15 $18,034 $43,520 60.1% 90.7%
16 $18,191 $35,325 56.0% 68.0%
17 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
18 $18,967 $66,939 94.9% 5.4%
19 $18,992 $28,220 58.3% 81.9%
20 $18,996 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
21 $20,152 $20,280 41.0% 88.3%
22 $21,063 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%
23 $21,814 $26,758 52.4% 64.4%
24 $22,048 $28,400 40.6% 86.7%
25 $23,033 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
26 $23,066 $37,300 38.3% 54.9%
27 $23,572 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
28 $24,190 $34,070 59.5% 68.4%
29 $24,875 $55,587 67.5% 73.3%
30 $25,027 $30,910 53.3% 58.2%
31 $26,788 $32,520 48.5% 94.8%
32 $27,143 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
33 $27,499 $54,202 70.4% 59.7%
34 $29,141 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
35 $29,550 $55,704 82.5% 42.2%
36 $35,196 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $10,000 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Millikin University offers the lowest net price at $8,837 despite being private, thanks to substantial financial aid packages that reduce the $26,892 sticker price. Meanwhile, schools like Monmouth College charge $18,034 net even with aid applied to their $43,520 annual tuition. Public universities generally cost less, with most Illinois state schools charging between $8,916 and $16,177 after aid. Private colleges often provide larger scholarships but start from much higher base prices.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Illinois drama programs?

Governors State University has both low costs at $9,477 and the lowest graduation rate at just 19.6%, while University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign costs $15,201 but graduates 84.9% of students. Augustana College combines a moderate net price of $12,437 with a strong 79.2% graduation rate. The data suggests that slightly higher-cost programs often provide better student support systems, though Millikin proves exceptions exist with both low costs and reasonable completion rates.

Where do Illinois drama graduates earn the most after completing their programs?

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville graduates earn $28,598 annually despite the program costing just $13,696, making it the best return on investment. University of Illinois Chicago drama alumni earn $22,424, while Western Illinois graduates start at $15,922 despite paying similar program costs. The earnings data covers early career positions, which in theatre often include teaching, arts administration, and entry-level performance work before actors establish themselves professionally.

Is financial aid more generous at Illinois private or public drama programs?

Private schools offer deeper discounts from sticker prices, with Millikin reducing costs by 67% from $26,892 to $8,837 net. Augustana College cuts its $49,834 tuition to $12,437 after aid, a 75% reduction. Public universities start with lower base prices, so their aid appears less dramatic, though schools like University of Illinois Springfield keep total costs under $9,000. The MAP Grant provides additional state aid for Illinois residents at both public and private institutions.

Does acceptance rate affect program quality at Illinois theatre schools?

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign accepts just 44.82% of applicants but maintains the highest graduation rate at 84.9%, suggesting selective admissions correlate with program completion. Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville accepts 97.51% of students yet produces the highest-earning graduates at $28,598 annually. Augustana College balances moderate selectivity at 61.22% acceptance with strong outcomes including 79.2% graduation rates. The data shows that both selective and open-admission programs can produce successful outcomes depending on institutional support.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.