Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Dean College

Dean College's theatre program graduates earn $29,639 in their first year—$9,000 more than the national median for theatre degrees and $7,000 above Massachusetts' median. That places graduates in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile statewide, outearning programs at Boston University and Emerson College. The $27,000 debt load matches the state median and sits at just 91% of first-year earnings, making this one of the more financially viable theatre degrees available.

The significant caveat: earnings drop 14% by year four, falling to $25,413. This decline is concerning, though it's worth noting that even these lower earnings still exceed most theatre programs. Theatre careers often involve irregular income patterns early on, and this small sample (under 30 graduates) means a few individuals changing careers could heavily influence the numbers.

For families willing to accept theatre's inherent income uncertainty, this program at least starts graduates ahead of their peers. The relatively modest debt means borrowers wouldn't face crushing payments even in lean years. However, the earnings decline suggests graduates may struggle to advance financially in their field, and parents should plan for the possibility their child might need financial support beyond graduation or pivot to a different career path.