Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Florida Atlantic University

The small sample size here is a real limitation, but the numbers that do exist tell a challenging story: graduates start at $18,452—below both Florida's median ($20,170) and the national average—though earnings do climb 24% to $22,950 by year four. At 40th percentile statewide, FAU's program lands solidly in the bottom half among Florida's 24 theater programs, trailing schools like USF and UCF by roughly $2,000-$6,000 annually.

The debt load of $23,625 sits slightly above the Florida median and creates a first-year debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.28, meaning graduates owe more than they'll earn in their first year out. That's workable compared to some programs, but it's worth noting that stronger Florida programs like University of West Florida manage better outcomes with similar or lower debt. Theater degrees rarely promise lucrative early careers anywhere, but within Florida's options, FAU doesn't distinguish itself as offering meaningfully better prospects than peer institutions.

If your child is set on theater and FAU specifically appeals for location or fit reasons, understand this is a passion-driven path where financial returns take a back seat. The small sample means individual outcomes vary widely. But if affordability matters and theater is the goal, comparing total costs across Florida's public universities—where several programs show stronger early earnings—makes sense before committing.