Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Brigham Young University

BYU's theatre program graduates start near the bottom of Utah's theater landscape—earning $2,300 less than the state median—but the trajectory tells a more interesting story. By year four, earnings jump 35% to $28,358, suggesting graduates who stick with the field find their footing in an industry notorious for shaky starts. The debt load of $22,904 is actually below the national median for this degree, though it slightly exceeds Utah's typical burden.

For families evaluating this path, the key question is whether you can support your child through those early years when they're earning roughly $21,000 annually. The first-year debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.09 is manageable compared to many arts programs, and BYU's relatively modest tuition keeps the borrowing reasonable. However, this program ranks in just the 40th percentile among Utah theatre programs—meaning most competing in-state options deliver stronger initial earnings.

The 35% earnings growth suggests this program produces graduates who can build sustainable careers, not just survive on side gigs. If your child is committed to theatre and you're prepared for the reality of sub-$25,000 starting pay, this offers a relatively affordable entry point to the field with evidence of genuine improvement over time.