Analysis
NYU's drama program produces graduates who start modestly but show promising momentum, with earnings jumping 42% from $20,916 in the first year to $29,664 by year four. While the initial salary sits just above national averages for theater programs, the real story is the trajectory—few arts programs see this kind of consistent growth, suggesting NYU's network and training create expanding opportunities over time.
The debt picture is actually more manageable than you might expect from NYU. At $21,762, graduates carry about $3,200 less debt than the typical New York theater program and $3,200 less than the national average. Among New York's 62 theater programs, NYU ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings, outperforming most SUNY schools despite the higher tuition you'd typically associate with NYU.
The numbers reflect the reality of starting any arts career—low initial pay that requires patience and persistence. However, NYU's combination of lower-than-expected debt and strong earnings growth creates a more viable path than most theater programs. With robust sample size backing these figures, parents can feel confident these outcomes represent real patterns, not statistical flukes.
Where New York University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all drama/theatre arts and stagecraft bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How New York University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York University | $20,916 | $29,664 | +42% |
| CUNY Queens College | $11,604 | $45,005 | +288% |
| CUNY New York City College of Technology | $14,799 | $41,484 | +180% |
| SUNY College at Potsdam | $22,873 | $35,579 | +56% |
| Fordham University | $14,133 | $34,556 | +145% |
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)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 New York UniversityNew York | $60,438 | $20,916 | $29,664 | $21,762 | 1.04 |
 Manhattan School of MusicNew York | $54,600 | $29,400 | — | $27,000 | 0.92 |
 University at BuffaloBuffalo | $10,782 | $25,810 | $15,228 | $26,637 | 1.03 |
 CUNY Hunter CollegeNew York | $7,382 | $25,059 | $33,006 | — | — |
 Nazareth UniversityRochester | $40,880 | $23,511 | $28,859 | $27,000 | 1.15 |
 SUNY College at PotsdamPotsdam | $8,712 | $22,873 | $35,579 | $26,208 | 1.15 |
| National Median | — | $20,698 | — | $25,000 | 1.21 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with drama/theatre arts and stagecraft graduates
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
Producers and Directors
Media Programming Directors
Talent Directors
Media Technical Directors/Managers
Fashion Designers
Writers and Authors
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Set and Exhibit Designers
Music Directors and Composers
Actors
Dancers
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 New York University, approximately 19% 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 360 graduates with reported earnings and 347 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.