Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Loyola Marymount University

A theatre degree from LMU shows exactly what parents fear most: a $21,869 starting salary against $23,250 in debt. But look past that difficult first year. By year four, graduates are earning $38,092—a 74% jump that ranks this program in the 60th percentile among California's 64 theatre programs. That trajectory matters more than the rocky start, especially in an industry where breaking in takes time.

The debt load deserves attention. At $23,250, it sits above California's median of $17,235 for theatre programs, though still below the national average. This means LMU students are borrowing more than peers at CSU schools but less than many private alternatives. The initial debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.06 looks manageable compared to worse-performing programs, and it improves substantially as earnings climb.

For theatre students committed to staying in Los Angeles—arguably the industry's epicenter alongside New York—LMU's location and alumni network justify the premium over state schools. The earnings growth suggests graduates are finding their footing in entertainment, production, or adjacent fields. If your child is serious about a theatre career and willing to hustle through lean early years, this program delivers competitive mid-career outcomes. But if they're uncertain about the major, starting at a less expensive California school makes more financial sense.