Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at The University of Texas at Austin
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UT Austin's theatre program stands out dramatically in a field notorious for weak early earnings. At $33,261 in first-year earnings, graduates earn 61% more than the national median for theatre programs and 33% more than the typical Texas graduate in this field. This isn't just the best theatre program in Texas—it's in the top 5% nationally.
The $26,000 median debt is reasonable, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.8. For context, theatre graduates nationally often face much grimmer math, with many programs producing $20,000 earners carrying similar debt loads. Here, the monthly loan payment represents a manageable portion of entry-level income. The 80th percentile ranking within Texas shows this program consistently outperforms most state alternatives, including respected programs at Stephen F. Austin and Texas Tech.
The combination of UT Austin's selective admissions (29% acceptance rate) and industry connections in a vibrant arts city like Austin likely explains the earnings premium. If your child is committed to theatre and competitive enough to gain admission, this program offers about as strong a financial foundation as you'll find in this field. The debt is moderate and the earning power—while modest in absolute terms—is exceptional relative to alternatives.
Where The University of Texas at Austin Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all drama/theatre arts and stagecraft bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How The University of Texas at Austin graduates compare to all programs nationally
The University of Texas at Austin graduates earn $33k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all drama/theatre arts and stagecraft bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (43 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Texas at Austin | $33,261 | — | $26,000 | 0.78 |
| Stephen F Austin State University | $29,945 | $36,116 | $26,000 | 0.87 |
| Texas Tech University | $28,933 | $39,572 | $26,500 | 0.92 |
| University of North Texas | $28,236 | $35,441 | $25,000 | 0.89 |
| University of the Incarnate Word | $27,295 | — | — | — |
| The University of Texas at Arlington | $26,474 | $29,954 | $27,000 | 1.02 |
| National Median | $20,698 | — | $25,000 | 1.21 |
Other Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stephen F Austin State University Nacogdoches | $10,600 | $29,945 | $26,000 |
| Texas Tech University Lubbock | $11,852 | $28,933 | $26,500 |
| University of North Texas Denton | $11,164 | $28,236 | $25,000 |
| University of the Incarnate Word San Antonio | $35,660 | $27,295 | — |
| The University of Texas at Arlington Arlington | $11,728 | $26,474 | $27,000 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At The University of Texas at Austin, approximately 25% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 38 graduates with reported earnings and 35 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.