Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Ramapo College of New Jersey

The immediate warning sign here is that first-year earnings of $15,372, which falls at just the 5th percentile nationally for theatre programs—meaning 95% of similar programs produce better initial outcomes. Even within New Jersey's theatre landscape, this ranks at the 25th percentile, trailing all three Rutgers campuses by roughly $9,000. With $20,620 in median debt, graduates are starting their careers owing more than they earn in their first year.

The dramatic jump to $35,432 by year four suggests that graduates who stay in the field can find their footing, but that trajectory isn't unique to Ramapo—it's typical of theatre programs where early-career instability eventually gives way to more stable work. The concerning part is starting from such a low baseline. Theatre degrees rarely lead to high earnings anywhere, but Ramapo's graduates appear to struggle more than most in those crucial first years when loan payments begin.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means one or two outliers could skew these numbers significantly, so treat them as directional rather than definitive. However, if your child is serious about theatre, exploring programs where graduates at least approach the $20,000 mark initially—like the Rutgers options or even Montclair State—would provide more financial breathing room during those challenging early years in the industry.