Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at University of California-Los Angeles

A UCLA theater degree comes with the prestige of a 9% admission rate but delivers surprisingly modest returns: just $19,673 in first-year earnings—below both California's state median and the already-low national benchmark for this major. More concerning, graduates leave with $16,970 in debt despite UCLA's relatively strong financial aid reputation, placing this program in the 95th percentile nationally for debt burden. That's higher than 95% of theater programs across the country, though roughly typical for California programs.

The tradeoff here is stark. While UCLA's brand may open doors in competitive entertainment markets, first-year earnings fall $18,000 short of what graduates from Saint Mary's College earn in the same field, and even trail nearby Cal State schools by $3,000-$5,000. The 0.86 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe nearly a full year's salary right out of the gate, making it difficult to pursue unpaid internships or artistic projects that might eventually boost earning potential.

For families banking on UCLA's reputation to translate into better outcomes, the data doesn't support that hope—at least not in the early career years where debt payments matter most. Unless your child has substantial family financial support or a clear path into the entertainment industry through existing connections, less selective California programs deliver similar or better financial outcomes with comparable training.