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. The schools below stand out for the salaries their drama and theater arts graduates go on to command.
College Factual analyzed 8 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.
St Olaf College earned the #1 spot for highest-paid drama and theater arts graduates in Minnesota. Located in the town of Northfield, St Olaf College is a private not-for-profit institution. Drama And Theater Arts graduates of St Olaf College earn a median of about $51,796 a year early in their careers.
Metropolitan State University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying drama and theater arts schools. Metropolitan State University is a public school located in the city of Saint Paul. After graduating, drama and theater arts degree recipients from Metropolitan State University typically earn about $42,432 annually.
Students chasing top earnings in drama and theater arts will find them at Saint Marys University Of Minnesota, which ranked #3. Set in the town of Winona, Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. Early-career drama and theater arts graduates from Saint Marys University Of Minnesota make a median of around $34,228 per year.
Strong graduate earnings at University Of Minnesota Duluth earned it the #4 place for drama and theater arts. Set in the city of Duluth, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a public institution. After graduating, drama and theater arts degree recipients from University Of Minnesota Duluth typically earn about $35,394 annually.
Gustavus Adolphus College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying drama and theater arts schools. Located in the town of Saint Peter, Gustavus Adolphus College is a private not-for-profit institution. Drama And Theater Arts graduates of Gustavus Adolphus College earn a median of about $28,601 a year early in their careers.
Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #6 spot for drama and theater arts salaries this year. Located in the city of Mankato, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Drama And Theater Arts graduates of Minnesota State University Mankato earn a median of about $27,720 a year early in their careers.
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying drama and theater arts schools. Located in the city of Minneapolis, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. Early-career drama and theater arts graduates from University Of Minnesota Twin Cities make a median of around $33,470 per year.
Northwestern College Minnesota earned the #8 position for drama and theater arts graduate earnings this year. Located in the suburb of Saint Paul, Northwestern College Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. Students who complete the drama and theater arts program here go on to a median salary of roughly $19,541.
This ranking is produced by College Factual, 2026 edition. Schools are ranked on the median early-career earnings of their drama and theater arts graduates, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard field-of-study earnings and IPEDS).
Ranking method: College Major Earnings · 8 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.