Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Wright State University-Main Campus

Wright State's theatre program starts with concerning first-year earnings of just $18,666—below both the national and Ohio medians—but the trajectory tells a more interesting story. By year four, graduates reach $26,927, representing 44% growth and pushing earnings well above state and national benchmarks. This puts the program right around Ohio's median despite the slow start.

The $26,000 debt load is fairly typical for theatre programs and results in a manageable 1.39 debt-to-earnings ratio based on first-year income. However, parents should recognize that first year represents a particularly lean period for Wright State theatre graduates. The regional job market in Dayton may play a role here—note how Cincinnati's theatre program, located in a larger metro area with more professional theatre opportunities, shows first-year earnings of $25,070.

For families comfortable with a tight first year post-graduation (possibly supplemented by second jobs or continued parental support), the strong earnings growth suggests graduates eventually find their footing. But the low starting point means students will need financial runway and realistic expectations about those initial months. The nearly 50% jump in earnings by year four indicates persistence pays off, though it's worth asking why Wright State graduates lag peers initially before catching up.