by our College Data Analytics TeamIn 2025, College Factual analyzed 14 schools in order to identify the top ones for its Best Theater Arts Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 473 bachelor's degrees in theater arts during the 2022-2023 academic year.
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The theater bachelor's degree program you select can have a big impact on your future. Important measures of a quality theater program can vary widely even among the top schools. When choosing a school we recommend considering some of the following factors:
A school that excels in educating for a particular major and degree level must be a great school overall as well. To make it into this list a school must rank well in our overall Best Colleges ranking. This ranking considered factors such as graduation rates, overall graduate earnings and other educational resources to identify great colleges and universities.
In addition to the above, you should consider some of the following factors:
Our full ranking methodology documents in more detail how we consider these factors to identify the best schools for theater arts students working on their bachelor's degree.
Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we've developed the Best Theater Arts Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Plains States Region ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision.
In addition to College Factual's rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don't forget it.
Below you'll see a list of the best colleges and universities for pursuing a bachelor's degree in theater arts.
University of Iowa is a good option for individuals interested in a bachelor's degree in theater arts. Iowa is a very large public university located in the small city of Iowa City.More information about a bachelor’s in theater arts from University of Iowa
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities is a good decision for students interested in a bachelor's degree in theater arts. Located in the city of Minneapolis, UMN Twin Cities is a public university with a very large student population.More information about a bachelor’s in theater arts from University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Any student pursuing a degree in a bachelor's degree in theater arts needs to look into St Olaf College. St. Olaf is a small private not-for-profit college located in the distant town of Northfield.More information about a bachelor’s in theater arts from St Olaf College
University of Missouri - Columbia is a good option for individuals pursuing a bachelor's degree in theater arts. Mizzou is a very large public university located in the medium-sized city of Columbia.More information about a bachelor’s in theater arts from University of Missouri - Columbia
UNL is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Lincoln.More information about a bachelor’s in theater arts from University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Located in the midsize city of Springfield, Missouri State is a public university with a very large student population.More information about a bachelor’s in theater arts from Missouri State University - Springfield
KU is a very large public university located in the small city of Lawrence.More information about a bachelor’s in theater arts from University of Kansas
Located in the large city of Lincoln, NWU is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population.More information about a bachelor’s in theater arts from Nebraska Wesleyan University
UMN Duluth is a moderately-sized public university located in the city of Duluth.More information about a bachelor’s in theater arts from University of Minnesota - Duluth
North Dakota State University is a fairly large public university located in the medium-sized city of Fargo.More information about a bachelor’s in theater arts from North Dakota State University - Main Campus
Explore the best theater arts schools for a specific state in the Plains States Region .
| State | Colleges | Degrees Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri | 475 | 159 |
| Minnesota | 446 | 181 |
| Iowa | 403 | 91 |
| Kansas | 352 | 77 |
| Nebraska | 331 | 74 |
| North Dakota | 251 | 9 |
| South Dakota | 237 | 30 |
Theater Arts is one of 11 different types of Drama & Theater Arts programs to choose from.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Acting | 44 |
| Musical Theater | 42 |
| Other Dramatic/Theatre Arts & Stagecraft | 28 |
| Playwriting & Screenwriting | 26 |
| Theater Design & Technology | 17 |
| Theatre and Dance | 8 |
| Directing & Theatrical Production | 6 |
| Costume Design | 4 |
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