Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Ball State University

Ball State's theatre program graduates earn $23,748 in their first year—above the $20,698 national median but tied with Indiana's state median. More telling is the trajectory: earnings climb just 13% over four years to $26,777, leaving graduates well behind top regional options like Notre Dame ($37,531) and Southern Indiana ($27,010). Among Indiana's 26 theatre programs, Ball State lands squarely in the middle at the 60th percentile.

The $24,984 debt load creates a nearly 1:1 ratio with first-year earnings, meaning graduates face roughly a year's salary in loans. That's manageable compared to many arts programs nationally, but the modest earnings growth means the debt burden doesn't ease significantly over time. With 34% of Ball State students receiving Pell grants, this financial picture matters particularly for families counting on upward mobility through higher education.

For parents, this comes down to expectations. If your child is committed to theatre and Ball State offers in-state tuition or substantial aid, the debt levels won't cripple their career start. But if career earnings matter alongside artistic passion, understand they'll likely earn less than peers at Indiana's stronger theatre programs while carrying similar debt. The program delivers adequate preparation at average cost—it's neither a standout value nor a financial red flag.