Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at University of Maryland-College Park

University of Maryland-College Park's theatre program starts graduates at just $17,985—roughly $2,700 below the national median—but here's what matters: earnings nearly double to $34,060 by year four, ultimately surpassing most theatre programs nationally. While this places the program in only the 25th percentile nationally at the one-year mark, graduates catch up quickly, suggesting they're building real careers in theatre rather than abandoning the field. The $20,681 debt load is actually lower than the national median ($25,000), though it represents 115% of first-year earnings.

Within Maryland, this is the middle option. It ties for the state median but trails Towson's $19,871 starting salary by about $1,900. However, the 89% earnings growth rate is what distinguishes this program—theatre graduates from flagship universities often benefit from stronger alumni networks and name recognition as their careers develop.

The real question is whether your child can weather that first year or two financially. If they can manage on $18,000 (probably requiring parental support or supplemental work), and they're genuinely committed to theatre as a career rather than a hobby, the trajectory becomes more defensible. But if they're uncertain about the field, that initial earnings figure is a serious constraint that other theatre programs, even in-state, handle slightly better from day one.