Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Middle Tennessee State University

Middle Tennessee State's theatre program starts with a harsh reality—$17,860 in the first year is among the lowest earnings for any bachelor's degree—but the trajectory tells a more interesting story. By year four, graduates see earnings jump 53% to $27,245, which actually surpasses both Tennessee's state median ($19,055) and the national average for theatre programs. While the program ranks at just the 40th percentile within Tennessee initially, that strong earnings growth suggests graduates are finding their footing in regional markets or building freelance careers that take time to establish.

The $19,000 debt load is notably lower than both the state ($20,938) and national ($25,000) benchmarks, making the first-year struggle more manageable than it could be. The 1.06 debt-to-earnings ratio in year one looks intimidating, but parents should focus on the year-four picture: graduates owe less than they earn annually, unlike many theatre programs where debt substantially exceeds income even years after graduation.

For families comfortable with their student weathering a few lean years post-graduation—likely supplemented by survival jobs common in performing arts—this program offers a relatively affordable path into theatre. The key question is whether your student has the financial cushion and determination to navigate those early years while building the connections and skills that eventually pay off.