by our College Data Analytics Team
[Drama And Theater Arts](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/drama-and-theater-arts/) graduates earn very different salaries depending on where they study. A top-earning program sends graduates into careers with strong starting pay.
College Factual analyzed 6 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the highest-paying drama and theater arts schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools whose drama and theater arts graduates go on to earn the most.
Brandeis University tops our 2026 list of the highest-paying drama and theater arts schools in Massachusetts. Set in the city of Waltham, Brandeis University is a private not-for-profit institution. Drama And Theater Arts graduates of Brandeis University earn a median of about $49,873 a year early in their careers.
Strong graduate earnings at University Of Massachusetts Amherst earned it the #2 place for drama and theater arts. University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public school located in the city of Amherst. Drama And Theater Arts graduates of University Of Massachusetts Amherst earn a median of about $41,063 a year early in their careers.
A rank of #3 makes Dean College one of the highest-paying schools for drama and theater arts. Dean College is a private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Franklin. Drama And Theater Arts graduates of Dean College earn a median of about $29,006 a year early in their careers.
A rank of #4 makes Boston University one of the highest-paying schools for drama and theater arts. Boston University is a private not-for-profit school located in the city of Boston. Drama And Theater Arts graduates of Boston University earn a median of about $35,979 a year early in their careers.
Emerson College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying drama and theater arts schools. Located in the city of Boston, Emerson College is a private not-for-profit institution. After graduating, drama and theater arts degree recipients from Emerson College typically earn about $33,947 annually.
Suffolk University landed the #6 spot for drama and theater arts salaries this year. Suffolk University is a private not-for-profit school located in the city of Boston. Drama And Theater Arts graduates of Suffolk University earn a median of about $23,189 a year early in their careers.
This list is compiled by College Factual, 2026 edition. The methodology measures the salaries drama and theater arts graduates go on to earn early in their careers, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard field-of-study earnings and IPEDS).
Ranking method: College Major Earnings · 6 schools evaluated.
*Salary figures reflect median early-career earnings (about 5 years after graduation) and may vary by how long a person takes to complete their degree.
More about our data sources and methodologies.