Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Ohio University-Eastern Campus

The small sample size here matters, but the pattern is worth understanding: graduates start at just $15,602—meaning many are likely cobbling together part-time work rather than landing full-time positions in their field. Within four years, earnings nearly double to $30,585, which actually exceeds both Ohio's median for this degree ($18,916) and the national average ($20,698). That's a meaningful turnaround, though it still puts graduates well below what they'd earn from most other bachelor's degrees.

The $22,750 in debt is slightly below typical borrowing for this program, but it still represents 1.5 times that first-year income—a challenging ratio when you're earning less than minimum wage full-time. The fact that this program ranks in just the 25th percentile among Ohio theatre programs (compare to Cincinnati's $25,070 first-year earnings) suggests students might find better launching points elsewhere in the state.

For a family considering this path: theatre degrees rarely lead to immediate financial security, but this particular program's extremely low starting earnings combined with modest outcomes even after four years make it a particularly risky investment. If your student is committed to theatre, they should understand they'll likely need supplemental income sources for several years and consider whether Ohio University's flagship campus or Cincinnati might offer stronger industry connections.