Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Baldwin Wallace University

Baldwin Wallace's theatre program leaves graduates earning significantly less than competitors—just $16,055 in the first year, placing it at the bottom 5th percentile nationally and well below Ohio's median of $18,916. Even within the relatively modest-earning world of theatre programs, this stands out as concerning. Nearby programs at University of Cincinnati and Kent State deliver 50% higher starting salaries, suggesting the gap isn't just about choosing theatre as a field—it's about this specific program's outcomes.

The $27,000 debt burden intensifies the problem. While not catastrophic by national standards, it means graduates face debt equivalent to 1.68 times their first-year income. Most theatre grads understand they'll start with low earnings, but this program combines below-average pay with above-average debt. The 41% earnings growth to $22,593 by year four helps, but even then graduates remain underwater relative to their debt load and still trail the state median.

For families considering this program, the question isn't whether their child loves theatre—it's whether this particular program justifies the cost when Ohio offers demonstrably stronger options. Unless Baldwin Wallace offers unique connections or training that graduates consistently leverage into better long-term careers (which the four-year data doesn't suggest), directing your student toward one of the state's higher-performing theatre programs makes more financial sense.