Analysis
At $29,596 four years out, UW-Whitewater's theatre program outearns 79% of similar programs nationwide—a legitimately strong showing in a field where financial viability often concerns parents. The typical graduate leaves with $29,776 in debt, which sits well below the national median for theatre programs and translates to a manageable 1.22 debt-to-earnings ratio at graduation.
Within Wisconsin, this program ranks solidly in the middle of the pack (60th percentile), trailing Carthage but ahead of UW-Milwaukee and most other state options. The 21% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests graduates gain traction as they establish themselves professionally. For a field notorious for financial struggle, these numbers show graduates earning enough to service their debt without the crushing burden seen at many theatre programs.
The caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes may vary more than usual. Still, if your child is committed to theatre, this program delivers better-than-average financial outcomes at a price point that won't create unmanageable debt. That's about as good as the risk-reward gets in this field.
Where University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all drama/theatre arts and stagecraft bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Wisconsin-Whitewater graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | $24,412 | $29,596 | +21% |
| University of Notre Dame | $37,531 | $56,230 | +50% |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | $20,455 | $30,055 | +47% |
| Viterbo University | $19,930 | $26,730 | +34% |
| University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point | $20,903 | $19,541 | -7% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (21 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Wisconsin-WhitewaterWhitewater | $8,250 | $24,412 | $29,596 | $29,776 | 1.22 |
 Carthage CollegeKenosha | $36,500 | $28,727 | — | — | — |
 University of Wisconsin-ParksideKenosha | $7,855 | $25,306 | — | $27,000 | 1.07 |
 University of Wisconsin-Stevens PointStevens Point | $8,834 | $20,903 | $19,541 | $26,000 | 1.24 |
 University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukee | $10,020 | $20,455 | $30,055 | $27,000 | 1.32 |
 Viterbo UniversityLa Crosse | $32,350 | $19,930 | $26,730 | $26,906 | 1.35 |
| National Median | — | $20,698 | — | $25,000 | 1.21 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with drama/theatre arts and stagecraft graduates
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
Producers and Directors
Media Programming Directors
Talent Directors
Media Technical Directors/Managers
Fashion Designers
Writers and Authors
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Set and Exhibit Designers
Music Directors and Composers
Actors
Dancers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, approximately 25% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 22 graduates with reported earnings and 20 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.