Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Molloy University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
At $17,050 in first-year earnings, Molloy's theatre program lands below even the modest national median for this field—ranking in just the 16th percentile nationally. That's roughly $3,600 less than the typical drama graduate earns, and dramatically below what nearby CUNY Hunter College ($25,059) or SUNY Buffalo ($25,810) students achieve in the same major. The state ranking of 40th percentile offers little comfort when New York's median for theatre programs is already just $18,740.
The $27,000 debt burden—higher than 95% of theatre programs nationally—compounds the challenge. With graduates earning barely enough for part-time minimum wage work, that debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.58 means students owe roughly 19 months of their entire first-year salary. Theatre is inherently a tough financial path, but this combination of below-average earnings and above-average debt makes it particularly steep.
For families considering this program, the comparison to public alternatives is stark. SUNY schools deliver theatre degrees with similar or better early earnings at likely lower cost for in-state students. Unless Molloy offers specific connections, faculty, or production opportunities unavailable elsewhere, the financial arithmetic here strongly favors exploring other options in New York's competitive theatre education landscape.
Where Molloy University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all drama/theatre arts and stagecraft bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Molloy University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Molloy University graduates earn $17k, placing them in the 16th percentile of all drama/theatre arts and stagecraft bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (62 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Molloy University | $17,050 | — | $27,000 | 1.58 |
| Manhattan School of Music | $29,400 | — | $27,000 | 0.92 |
| University at Buffalo | $25,810 | $15,228 | $26,637 | 1.03 |
| CUNY Hunter College | $25,059 | $33,006 | — | — |
| Nazareth University | $23,511 | $28,859 | $27,000 | 1.15 |
| SUNY College at Potsdam | $22,873 | $35,579 | $26,208 | 1.15 |
| National Median | $20,698 | — | $25,000 | 1.21 |
Other Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Programs in New York
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manhattan School of Music New York | $54,600 | $29,400 | $27,000 |
| University at Buffalo Buffalo | $10,782 | $25,810 | $26,637 |
| CUNY Hunter College New York | $7,382 | $25,059 | — |
| Nazareth University Rochester | $40,880 | $23,511 | $27,000 |
| SUNY College at Potsdam Potsdam | $8,712 | $22,873 | $26,208 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Molloy University, approximately 30% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 41 graduates with reported earnings and 41 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.