Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Saint Edward's University

The small sample size here demands caution, but the numbers tell a stark story: Saint Edward's theatre graduates earn substantially less than their peers elsewhere in Texas. That first-year figure of $15,925 ranks in just the 10th percentile among Texas theatre programs—well below the state median of $25,050 and trailing programs at UT Austin, Texas Tech, and UNT by wide margins.

The dramatic earnings jump to $38,383 by year four offers some hope, suggesting graduates eventually find their footing in Austin's arts scene. However, with $26,000 in debt, new graduates face nearly 20 months of first-year earnings just to cover their loans. Theatre degrees rarely promise financial security, but this program's outcomes lag behind what similar graduates achieve at other Texas schools, even accounting for the field's inherent challenges.

Given Austin's reputation as a cultural hub, these results are disappointing. If your child is committed to theatre, they'd likely fare better at UT Austin or even Texas State. The relatively high admission rate and modest test scores suggest Saint Edward's may not be attracting the most competitive theatre cohort, which could affect networking and career opportunities in a field where connections matter enormously.