Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at California Institute of the Arts
Master's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How California Institute of the Arts graduates compare to all programs nationally
California Institute of the Arts graduates earn $35k, placing them in the 69th percentile of all drama/theatre arts and stagecraft masters programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft masters's programs at peer institutions in California (29 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California Institute of the Arts | $35,156 | $30,129 | — | — |
| Academy of Art University | $36,635 | — | — | — |
| Loyola Marymount University | $31,564 | $34,525 | — | — |
| California State University-Fullerton | $24,978 | $29,629 | — | — |
| University of California-Irvine | $24,696 | — | — | — |
| University of Southern California | $21,764 | $35,090 | — | — |
| National Median | $27,533 | — | — | — |
Other Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academy of Art University San Francisco | $28,024 | $36,635 | — |
| Loyola Marymount University Los Angeles | $58,974 | $31,564 | — |
| California State University-Fullerton Fullerton | $7,073 | $24,978 | — |
| University of California-Irvine Irvine | $14,237 | $24,696 | — |
| University of Southern California Los Angeles | $68,237 | $21,764 | — |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At California Institute of the Arts, approximately 22% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.