Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Millikin University

Millikin's theatre program commands premium tuition but delivers strong results that actually justify the investment—a rarity in this field. At $24,013 in the first year, graduates earn more than 76% of theatre programs nationally and outpace the Illinois median by $3,300. More importantly, earnings climb 30% by year four to over $31,000, placing this program among the top performers in the state and ahead of programs at DePaul and UIUC. The $27,000 debt load sits slightly above state norms but remains one of the lowest nationally (5th percentile), creating a manageable 1.12 debt-to-earnings ratio.

What separates Millikin from typical theatre programs is the trajectory. While many arts degrees show flat or declining earnings, this program's graduates gain significant ground in years 2-4, suggesting the school's industry connections and practical training translate to steady career advancement. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) provides reasonable confidence in these outcomes without the volatility of tiny programs.

For families willing to invest in a private theatre education, Millikin demonstrates better ROI than most alternatives in Illinois. The debt is real but reasonable, and graduates appear to build sustainable careers rather than just landing survival jobs. This is as strong a financial case as you'll find for a bachelor's in theatre.