Analysis
Columbus State's theatre program faces a critical challenge: graduates earn just under $19,000 in their first year, then see that already-modest income drop by 5% over the next three years. While the program performs at the state median and serves a largely working-class student body (44% receive Pell grants), the declining earnings trajectory raises questions about career sustainability in this field.
The debt picture compounds this concern. Graduates leave owing nearly $26,000—meaning they're carrying debt equal to 1.4 years of first-year income. At these earnings levels, even Georgia's relatively low cost of living won't make loan payments comfortable. Among Georgia's theatre programs, Columbus State sits mid-pack, with Kennesaw State, UGA, and SCAD graduates earning $2,000-$3,000 more annually. That gap matters when you're starting below $20,000.
For a student passionate about theatre, this program requires clear-eyed planning. The combination of below-$20,000 starting salaries, declining earnings, and $26,000 in debt means your child would need either family financial support, a strong side income stream, or graduate school plans that lead to better-paying roles. Without one of these safety nets, the financial pressure could force them out of the field they trained for.
Where Columbus State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all drama/theatre arts and stagecraft bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Columbus State University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus State University | $18,769 | $17,890 | -5% |
| University of Georgia | $20,762 | $35,389 | +70% |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | $20,532 | $31,457 | +53% |
| Kennesaw State University | $21,556 | $25,182 | +17% |
| Georgia Southern University | $16,586 | $18,549 | +12% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (27 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Columbus State UniversityColumbus | $5,751 | $18,769 | $17,890 | $25,802 | 1.37 |
 Kennesaw State UniversityKennesaw | $5,786 | $21,556 | $25,182 | $25,500 | 1.18 |
 University of GeorgiaAthens | $11,180 | $20,762 | $35,389 | $19,399 | 0.93 |
 Savannah College of Art and DesignSavannah | $40,595 | $20,532 | $31,457 | $27,000 | 1.32 |
 Piedmont UniversityDemorest | $30,680 | $18,680 | — | — | — |
 Georgia Southern UniversityStatesboro | $5,905 | $16,586 | $18,549 | $27,000 | 1.63 |
| National Median | — | $20,698 | — | $25,000 | 1.21 |
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
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 Columbus State University, approximately 44% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 59 graduates with reported earnings and 51 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.