Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Saint Mary's College of California

Saint Mary's College theatre graduates are earning nearly double what most theatre majors make—$38,160 compared to a national median of just $20,698. This program ranks in the 95th percentile both nationally and among California's 64 theatre programs, dramatically outperforming even well-regarded schools like Chapman University ($24,644) and CalArts ($22,673). The combination of unusually strong earnings with below-average debt ($27,304 versus $25,000 nationally) creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.72—significantly better than typical for arts programs.

The crucial caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so these numbers might not hold steady year to year. Theatre programs notoriously produce volatile outcomes, and a small cohort can be heavily influenced by a few graduates who land strong positions in Bay Area tech companies, education, or arts administration. That said, the gap here is so large that even if earnings regressed toward the state median, this would still be a standout program.

For a family weighing a theatre degree—traditionally a high-risk investment—Saint Mary's offers a surprisingly practical profile. The earnings suggest graduates are finding stable work beyond gig-based performance, possibly leveraging the college's Bay Area connections. Just recognize that your child's experience might differ considerably from this cohort's results.