Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at CUNY City College

City College's theatre program shows the harsh economic reality facing most drama graduates, with first-year earnings of just $15,098—nearly $4,000 below the already-low New York state median and in the bottom 5th percentile nationally. The debt burden of $17,739 is actually better than most theatre programs, but when you're earning barely above poverty level in one of America's most expensive cities, even modest debt becomes a weight.

The 81% earnings growth to $27,329 by year four offers some hope, though this still trails the typical New York theatre grad and represents a career path that demands years of financial struggle. Among New York's 62 theatre programs, City College ranks at just the 25th percentile—meaning three-quarters of comparable in-state options produce better-earning graduates. The top programs like Manhattan School of Music and SUNY Buffalo place graduates earning $25,000-$29,000 right out of the gate.

For a family considering this program: if your child is committed to theatre and needs to stay in New York, City College's lower tuition (evident in that below-average debt) means less financial damage than most alternatives. But 60% of students here receive Pell grants, suggesting many families can't afford to subsidize several years of sub-$20,000 earnings. Unless your child has family support or is willing to work multiple jobs while building their career, the financial math doesn't work.