Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at University of Wisconsin-Parkside

University of Wisconsin-Parkside's theatre graduates earn substantially more than most programs nationally—landing in the 86th percentile—while carrying notably modest debt. At $25,306 first-year earnings versus $20,698 nationally, these graduates outperform three-quarters of theatre programs across the country. The $27,000 debt load sits in the 5th percentile nationally, meaning 95% of theatre programs leave students with more debt. This combination produces a debt-to-earnings ratio just over 1.0, which is remarkably favorable for a fine arts degree.

Within Wisconsin, the picture is more nuanced. While Parkside's graduates earn solidly above the state median ($22,658), they trail Carthage College's $28,727 and match Whitewater's outcomes. Still, for families prioritizing affordability—particularly given UW-Parkside's 73% admission rate and in-state tuition advantages—this represents a practical path into theatre work without the crushing debt many arts programs impose.

The critical caveat: these figures come from a small cohort (under 30 graduates), so individual outcomes may vary considerably. However, the pattern here suggests UW-Parkside has carved out something unusual—a theatre program that doesn't require students to sacrifice financial stability for their artistic training. For Wisconsin families with a theatre-focused student, this program delivers measurable value without the financial anxiety that typically accompanies arts degrees.