Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

A first-year income of $16,695 following a competitive admission process at FAMU—one that accepts just 21% of applicants—creates an uncomfortable mismatch between the selectivity of entry and the financial reality of exit. The small sample size here means individual circumstances could be skewing these numbers significantly, but even accounting for that uncertainty, graduates are earning roughly $3,500 less than peers from other Florida theater programs and about $4,000 below the national median.

The debt load of $22,000 isn't extreme by national standards, but against such modest earnings it becomes a real burden. While some theater graduates leverage their degrees into higher-paying adjacent fields over time, that $17,000 starting point makes even moderate loan payments challenging in year one. For context, peers at University of South Florida's theater program start around $24,700—nearly 50% higher earnings with similar debt levels.

Given the small sample warning, it's worth investigating whether this program has specific placement patterns (technical theater roles, arts education, regional theater) that might explain the low starting numbers. But based on available data, families would need either significant financial aid to avoid debt entirely, or a clear backup plan for supplemental income during those crucial first few years after graduation.