Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Southern Utah University

Southern Utah University's Theatre program posts numbers that tower over national benchmarks—earning $27,335 in year one versus a national median of just $20,698. That's 32% more than typical, placing graduates in the 95th percentile nationally. The $19,284 in median debt sits below the national average for this degree, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71 that's manageable for an arts field. However, these figures come from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes likely vary widely.

Within Utah's theatre landscape, SUU holds its own but doesn't dominate. It ranks in the 60th percentile statewide and trails Utah Valley's $23,896. Still, SUU graduates show 18% earnings growth by year four—reaching $32,261—suggesting the program builds skills that translate to career advancement. That upward trajectory matters in a field where many programs see flat or declining earnings.

The real question is whether your student is truly committed to theatre work. If they're using this degree as a stepping stone to something else, the numbers work reasonably well. But if they're betting on a performance career, understand that even SUU's strong-for-theatre earnings still mean starting under $30,000. The debt load is modest enough that it won't be crushing, and SUU's track record suggests better-than-average odds for this notoriously difficult field.