Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Northern Illinois University
Master's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How Northern Illinois University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Northern Illinois University graduates earn $19k, placing them in the 5th percentile of all drama/theatre arts and stagecraft masters programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft masters's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (11 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Illinois University | $19,278 | $33,907 | — | — |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $26,539 | — | — | — |
| Northwestern University | $25,804 | — | — | — |
| DePaul University | $25,163 | $24,604 | — | — |
| National Median | $27,533 | — | — | — |
Other Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Programs in Illinois
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Illinois schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign | $16,004 | $26,539 | — |
| Northwestern University Evanston | $65,997 | $25,804 | — |
| DePaul University Chicago | $44,460 | $25,163 | — |
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 Northern Illinois University, approximately 46% 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.