Analysis
Western Connecticut State's theatre program achieves something rare: it substantially outperforms both state and national benchmarks for theatre graduates. At $24,150 in first-year earnings, graduates earn 34% more than the Connecticut median for this program and 17% more than the national median. Among Connecticut's 17 theatre programs, this ranks in the 80th percentile—notably ahead of UConn's theatre graduates who start at just $18,002.
The debt load of $27,000 is essentially on par with state and national norms, creating a relatively favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.12 for a theatre degree. While earnings growth is modest at 3% over four years, theatre is notoriously a field where traditional salary progression doesn't tell the whole story—many graduates supplement day jobs with performance work or transition into adjacent creative fields.
For families accepting that theatre is rarely a high-earning path, Western Connecticut presents better financial outcomes than most alternatives. Your child would graduate with manageable debt and earnings that, while modest in absolute terms, place them ahead of three-quarters of Connecticut theatre graduates. If they're committed to this field, few programs offer better numbers.
Where Western Connecticut State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all drama/theatre arts and stagecraft bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Western Connecticut State University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Connecticut State University | $24,150 | $24,928 | +3% |
| University of Connecticut | $18,002 | $33,757 | +88% |
| University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus | $18,002 | $33,757 | +88% |
| University of Connecticut-Avery Point | $18,002 | $33,757 | +88% |
| University of Connecticut-Stamford | $18,002 | $33,757 | +88% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (17 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Western Connecticut State UniversityDanbury | $12,763 | $24,150 | $24,928 | $27,000 | 1.12 |
 University of ConnecticutStorrs | $20,366 | $18,002 | $33,757 | $25,414 | 1.41 |
 University of Connecticut-Waterbury CampusWaterbury | $17,462 | $18,002 | $33,757 | $25,414 | 1.41 |
 University of Connecticut-Avery PointGroton | $17,462 | $18,002 | $33,757 | $25,414 | 1.41 |
 University of Connecticut-StamfordStamford | $17,472 | $18,002 | $33,757 | $25,414 | 1.41 |
 University of Connecticut-Hartford CampusHartford | $17,452 | $18,002 | $33,757 | $25,414 | 1.41 |
| 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 Western Connecticut State University, approximately 35% 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 39 graduates with reported earnings and 39 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.