Best Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Degrees in California by ROI
Colleges in California ranked by estimated 20-year net return on investment — calculated from median graduate earnings, total attendance cost, and average student debt. Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Programs in California
2
Colleges with salary data
Average 20-Yr Net ROI
-$571,361
Across California programs
Average Annual Cost
$58,778
Cost of attendance
| # | College | 20-Yr Net ROI | Median Salary | Annual Cost | Avg Debt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles
Grad rate: 62.3% |
-$548,790 | $20,897 | $55,265 | $12,000 | Full ROI → |
| 2 |
New York Film Academy
Grad rate: 69.4% |
-$593,932 | $19,545 | $62,291 | $15,000 | Full ROI → |
How ROI is calculated
20-Year Net ROI = Gross Earnings (salary × 20) − Total Degree Cost (annual cost × programme years) − Debt Payoff (avg debt × 1.35) − Baseline Opportunity Cost ($42,000 × 20 = $840,000)
A positive ROI means a degree in this field pays off relative to entering the workforce without one. Data from the U.S. College Scorecard.
Find Best Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Degrees by State
Browse Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs ranked by 20-year ROI in every state that offers this degree.