Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at University of South Florida

USF's theatre program produces graduates who significantly outpace both state and national peers in early earnings—$24,732 starting out is 22% above Florida's median and puts them in the 82nd percentile nationally. More importantly, the trajectory continues upward: earnings hit $31,041 by year four, a 26% jump that suggests graduates are building sustainable careers rather than scrambling between gigs. Among Florida's 24 theatre programs, this ranks solidly in the middle for earnings despite outperforming most national competitors.

The debt picture reinforces the value proposition. At $26,849, graduates owe roughly what they'll earn in their first year—manageable by theatre standards, where many programs saddle students with much higher debt for lower prospects. While debt is slightly above Florida's median for this major, it's well below the national benchmark, and that 1.09 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates aren't starting their careers drowning in payments.

For a selective public university (41% admission rate), USF delivers unusually practical outcomes in a field notorious for financial struggle. If your child is committed to theatre, this program demonstrates they can pursue that passion without facing the debt trap that plagues so many arts graduates. The steady earnings growth suggests the skills and connections translate into real employment opportunities.