Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Fordham University

Fordham's theatre program graduates start with exceptionally low earnings—$14,133 in year one—landing them in just the 5th percentile nationally. That's 32% below the already-modest national median for theatre programs. With $27,000 in debt, new graduates face payments equivalent to more than a fifth of their annual income, creating immediate financial strain during those critical early career years.

The dramatic 145% earnings jump to $34,556 by year four offers some hope, but context matters: even after this growth, graduates still trail programs like Manhattan School of Music and University at Buffalo. Among New York's 62 theatre programs, Fordham ranks only at the 25th percentile—meaning three-quarters of comparable in-state programs produce better-earning graduates, often at lower cost. The earnings trajectory suggests many graduates are cobbling together survival jobs early on rather than launching sustainable theatre careers.

For families paying Fordham's private tuition, this creates a difficult equation. Your child might build valuable connections and training, but financially, they'll likely struggle more in those crucial first years than peers at SUNY Buffalo or Hunter College, who would carry similar or lower debt while earning $10,000+ more right out of school. If your student is absolutely committed to theatre, insist on minimizing borrowing—these outcomes suggest keeping debt well below the $27,000 median would be prudent.