Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

LSU's theater program starts graduates at a challenging $20,290, but something unusual happens over the next few years: earnings jump 61% to reach $32,728 by year four. That's a dramatic improvement trajectory that sets this program apart from typical theater outcomes, where earnings often stagnate or grow modestly. Among Louisiana's nine theater programs, LSU graduates earn at the 60th percentile—meaningfully ahead of the state median and substantially more than Northwestern State's $16,973.

The $21,500 debt load sits below both the national median ($25,000) and state average ($21,987), creating a manageable 1.06 debt-to-earnings ratio at graduation. This is about as reasonable as theater debt gets. The real question is whether your child can weather that difficult first year when they'll be earning roughly minimum wage despite holding a bachelor's degree. Many theater graduates cobble together multiple gigs—teaching, performing, technical work—before finding more stable positions.

For students committed to theater careers and willing to grind through the early years, this program offers a realistic path forward. The strong earnings growth suggests LSU graduates eventually find their footing in the industry. But if your child is ambivalent about theater or needs immediate financial stability after graduation, four years of college for a $20,290 starting salary deserves serious reconsideration.