Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at University of Memphis

University of Memphis graduates with theatre degrees start below the national average but show unusually strong growth—median earnings jump 37% by year four, reaching $26,151. That upward trajectory matters more than the modest $19,055 starting point, particularly in a field where many practitioners cobble together income from multiple sources early in their careers.

Within Tennessee's theatre landscape, this program sits at the 60th percentile despite initial earnings that match the state median exactly. The fact that graduates eventually outpace peers from more selective programs like UT-Knoxville ($21,189) suggests Memphis provides networking or training advantages that compound over time. The debt load of $22,875 is lighter than both national and state medians, creating manageable monthly payments even during those lean first years.

The real question is whether your child can weather that initial period. A $19,000 starting salary in Memphis—where cost of living runs about 15% below the national average—translates to roughly $1,600 monthly before taxes. With loan payments around $250/month, it's tight but feasible with roommates and side gigs. For students committed to theatre careers, the combination of below-average debt and above-average earnings growth creates one of the better financial foundations in this notoriously challenging field.