Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release).
Earnings Distribution
How California Institute of the Arts graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| California Institute of the Arts | $35,156 | $30,129 | -14% |
| University of Southern California | $21,764 | $35,090 | +61% |
| Loyola Marymount University | $31,564 | $34,525 | +9% |
| California State University-Fullerton | $24,978 | $29,629 | +19% |
| New York Film Academy | $14,900 | $26,621 | +79% |
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft masters's programs at peer institutions in California (29 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 California Institute of the ArtsValencia | $56,724 | $35,156 | $30,129 | — | — |
 Academy of Art UniversitySan Francisco | $28,024 | $36,635 | — | — | — |
 Loyola Marymount UniversityLos Angeles | $58,974 | $31,564 | $34,525 | — | — |
 California State University-FullertonFullerton | $7,073 | $24,978 | $29,629 | — | — |
 University of California-IrvineIrvine | $14,237 | $24,696 | — | — | — |
 University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles | $68,237 | $21,764 | $35,090 | — | — |
| National Median | — | $27,533 | — | — | — |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with drama/theatre arts and stagecraft graduates
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
Producers and Directors
Media Programming Directors
Talent Directors
Media Technical Directors/Managers
Fashion Designers
Writers and Authors
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Set and Exhibit Designers
Music Directors and Composers
Actors
Dancers
Explore Related Programs
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft in California
- Academy of Art University$36,635
- Loyola Marymount University$31,564
- California State University-Fullerton$24,978
- University of California-Irvine$24,696
- University of Southern California$21,764
Explore further
- All Programs in the creation, performance, and study of visual art, music, theater, dance, film, and design. Includes studio art, graphic design, music performance, acting, cinematography, and art history. programs nationwide
- All programs at California Institute of the Arts
- College programs in California
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.