Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Otterbein University

Among Ohio's 44 theatre programs, Otterbein's graduates earn significantly less than peers—landing in just the 10th percentile statewide. First-year earnings of $12,546 fall well below the state median of $18,916, and even four years out, graduates average $35,396 while top Ohio programs like University of Cincinnati produce graduates earning $25,070 in their first year alone. This earnings gap compounds over time in ways that make the $26,822 debt load harder to manage than the numbers initially suggest.

The dramatic earnings jump from year one to year four (182%) looks encouraging on paper, but that first year presents real financial challenges. With debt running more than twice first-year earnings, graduates face a difficult period right when they're establishing their careers. While the debt itself is typical for theatre programs, the combination with bottom-decile earnings creates practical cash flow problems during those crucial early years.

An important caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes vary widely in small theatre cohorts. However, for parents evaluating cost versus realistic outcomes, the pattern is clear—Otterbein's program costs as much as stronger-performing Ohio alternatives while delivering measurably lower early-career results. If your child is set on this field, programs like Cincinnati or Kent State offer similar debt with significantly better earning trajectories from day one.