Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Full Sail University

Full Sail's theatre program stands out for one critical factor: earnings growth. While graduates start at just over $20,000—barely above minimum wage—they see incomes jump 61% by year four to $32,534. That's the kind of trajectory that matters when you're evaluating a field where everyone starts low. Among Florida theatre programs, this actually ranks in the 60th percentile, outperforming the state median despite Full Sail's for-profit status.

The challenge is the debt. At $20,500, graduates owe roughly what they'll earn in their first year—a precarious position when you're trying to establish yourself in theatre. This debt load is higher than 79% of comparable programs nationally, and combined with that initial $20,000 salary, creates a tough first few years. Over half of students here receive Pell grants, meaning many come from families without financial cushions to help bridge that gap.

The real question is whether that strong earnings trajectory continues beyond year four and whether you believe your child can make it through those lean early years. If they're passionate about technical theatre or production (areas where Full Sail has industry connections), the growth pattern is encouraging. But this program requires realistic expectations about what those first years will look like financially—and possibly having a plan for supplemental income or parental support during that period.