Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Kent State University at Trumbull

Kent State Trumbull's theatre program stands out as one of the strongest performers in Ohio, ranking in the 80th percentile both statewide and nationally—an uncommon achievement for a regional campus. Graduates start at $24,565, which significantly outpaces the $18,916 state median and the $20,698 national median for theatre programs. In fact, this Trumbull campus matches the earnings of Kent State's main campus and trails only University of Cincinnati and Youngstown State among Ohio's 44 theatre programs.

The $26,000 debt load sits near the national median for theatre degrees, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio just over 1:1—reasonable given the field's typically modest starting salaries. What's encouraging is the 16% earnings growth to $28,574 by year four, suggesting graduates find traction in their careers rather than hitting an immediate ceiling. With over a third of students receiving Pell grants, this program serves students who need a clear path to employment.

For families concerned about the financial viability of a theatre degree, this program offers about as favorable a picture as you'll find in the field. Your child would be entering one of Ohio's top programs while avoiding the debt burdens that plague many arts graduates. The earnings trajectory won't rival engineering, but it's substantially better than most theatre programs.