Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at California State University-Los Angeles

Cal State LA's theatre program produces first-year earnings of just $16,645—well below California's median of $20,538 for this major and ranking in only the 25th percentile statewide. That's roughly $8,000 less annually than graduates from nearby San Francisco State and about $4,000 below the state median. While the program keeps debt relatively low at $11,000 (unusual for theatre programs, which typically carry $25,000 nationally), that advantage matters less when starting earnings are this depressed.

The concerning part isn't just that theatre majors earn modest incomes early—that's expected in performing arts fields where many pursue gig work or unpaid opportunities. It's that this program significantly underperforms other California State University campuses in the same major, including CSU Dominguez Hills ($25,920) and Sacramento ($23,000). Given that LA offers theoretically better access to entertainment industry opportunities, the earnings gap suggests graduates aren't successfully converting that location advantage into stable employment.

For families where the student is among the 66% receiving Pell grants here, this becomes a difficult calculation. The low debt provides a cushion, but $16,645 in annual earnings barely covers basic living expenses in Los Angeles. Unless your child has exceptional talent, strong industry connections, or plans to pursue graduate training where the bachelor's degree is just a stepping stone, stronger-performing Cal State theatre programs would be safer choices.