Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

A theater degree from UT Rio Grande Valley leaves graduates earning 60% less than the typical Texas theater graduate, ranking in just the 10th percentile statewide. While first-year earnings of $16,706 are concerningly low, the bigger worry is that after four years, graduates are still making barely $20,000—less than what typical theater majors earn immediately after graduation both nationally and in Texas. For comparison, theater graduates from UT Austin earn $33,000 starting out, while even smaller programs like Stephen F. Austin State see nearly $30,000.

The debt load compounds the problem. At $16,000, graduates here carry less than the state median—but when you're earning just $16,706 in your first year, that nearly 1:1 debt-to-income ratio creates real financial strain. The 22% earnings growth over four years sounds promising until you realize it only brings graduates to $20,296, which is still below what most theater programs produce on day one.

This program serves a predominantly low-income student body (64% receive Pell grants) in the Rio Grande Valley, where cost of living is lower than major Texas metros. But even accounting for regional differences, these earnings fall far short of what's needed to service student debt and build financial stability. If your child is passionate about theater, they'd likely find better economic outcomes at nearly any other Texas public university offering this degree.