Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Ohio State University-Lima Campus

Ohio State-Lima's theatre program significantly outperforms most drama programs in Ohio, ranking in the 80th percentile statewide—though that comparison reveals how challenging theatre economics are across the board. With first-year earnings of $23,920, graduates earn about 26% more than the typical Ohio theatre graduate ($18,916) and slightly edge out the national median as well. The debt load of $25,250 is entirely typical for the field, resulting in a manageable 1.06 debt-to-earnings ratio that graduates can realistically tackle.

What makes this program stand out is the earnings trajectory: a 31% increase from year one to year four brings median pay to $31,403. That's substantial growth for a field where many graduates see stagnant wages. While those aren't life-changing numbers, they represent genuine career momentum rather than the treadmill many theatre graduates experience. The program serves a solid percentage of Pell-eligible students (31%), suggesting it provides access to theatre training without the crushing debt loads found at some private conservatories.

If your child is serious about theatre, this program offers a realistic path forward—competitive with Ohio State's main campus and better positioned than most Ohio alternatives. The debt is reasonable and earnings actually grow. Just understand that even the "better" theatre programs mean modest incomes, so financial expectations need to align with artistic ambitions.