Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Viterbo University

Theatre programs typically struggle with early earnings, but Viterbo's graduates start about $3,000 below Wisconsin's median for this field, landing at just under $20,000 in their first year. That places them in the 40th percentile among Wisconsin theatre programs—below nearby options like UW-Whitewater and UW-Stevens Point that deliver notably higher starting salaries with similar debt loads. The debt burden of nearly $27,000 is typical for this field nationally, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.35, but it's this combination of below-average state earnings and average debt that creates the challenge.

The 34% earnings growth to $26,730 by year four represents solid trajectory within theatre arts, though graduates are still earning less than most bachelor's degree holders in other fields. With fewer than 30 graduates in the data set, these numbers could swing considerably in either direction for future cohorts, making this snapshot less reliable than programs with larger sample sizes.

For families considering this investment, the math is straightforward: your child would likely start with debt exceeding their first-year salary at a program that underperforms the state median. If theatre is the calling, Wisconsin offers stronger-earning options at similar or lower cost. If Viterbo's specific program features—perhaps faculty connections or production opportunities—justify the premium, recognize you're betting on passion over early financial returns.