Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Oakland University

Oakland University's theatre program posts the lowest first-year earnings in the nation for this degree—just $15,579—which should concern any parent whose child needs to service nearly $27,000 in debt immediately after graduation. While the program does rank at the 40th percentile within Michigan (above the state median of $17,770), that's cold comfort when even the state's median barely qualifies as livable wages.

The redeeming factor here is genuine earnings growth. Four years out, graduates see their income jump 69% to $26,370, though this still lags far behind Western Michigan's comparable program ($21,585 in year one). The debt burden—matching the state median but exceeding the national median by nearly $1,700—compounds the early struggle. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.71 in year one, your child would owe more than they earn annually, making standard loan payments extremely difficult without family support or supplemental income.

Theatre programs rarely promise financial security, but this particular combination of rock-bottom starting salary and above-average debt creates an unusually harsh first few years. If your child is genuinely committed to this career path, Western Michigan delivers better immediate outcomes. If they attend Oakland, plan for significant financial support during those crucial early years when loan payments come due but paychecks barely cover rent.