What is the starting salary for Theater & Drama graduates in Baton Rouge?

The estimated starting salary for Theater & Drama graduates in Baton Rouge, LA is $32,800 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 82. The national average starting salary for this major is $40,000. Salaries in Baton Rouge are 18% lower than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Theater & Drama degree worth it in Baton Rouge?

A Theater & Drama degree in Baton Rouge has an estimated ROI payback period of 22.9 years, with a projected lifetime return of $-28,140 after subtracting education costs. With 16 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $9,889/year, Baton Rouge offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 5.6% and the major's national unemployment rate of 6% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Theater & Drama in Baton Rouge?

The average annual public university tuition in Baton Rouge is $9,889, while private universities average $38,908/year. Including room and board ($13,546/year), total 4-year costs range from $93,740 at a public school to $209,816 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Baton Rouge is $9,166/year.

What jobs can Theater & Drama graduates get in Baton Rouge?

Theater & Drama graduates in Baton Rouge can pursue careers as Actor, Director, Stage Manager, Theater Teacher. Key skills valued by local employers include Acting, Directing, Stage Design, Playwriting. The Baton Rouge job market features Publishing, Non-profits, Education among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include Broadway, Film Studios, TV Networks.

How long to pay off student loans for Theater & Drama in Baton Rouge?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Theater & Drama graduates in Baton Rouge would pay $1,064/month on an estimated $93,740 in loans, with $33,988 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,834/month but save $17,680 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $32,800, monthly payments would represent 39% of gross monthly income.

Theater & Drama Degree in Baton Rouge, LA — Salary & ROI 2026

Theater & Drama degree analysis for Baton Rouge, LA. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$33K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$41K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

22.9 yrs

in Baton Rouge

Cost of Living

index (100 = avg)

Theater & Drama in Baton Rouge, LA Overview

Baton Rouge, Louisiana (pop. 227,470) has 16 colleges offering Theater & Drama programs. The local cost of living index of 82 keeps student expenses low, with average rent near campus at $871/month. Although national enrollment in Theater & Drama has been declining, graduates with skills in Acting and Directing remain competitive in the job market. The adjusted starting salary in Baton Rouge is approximately $32,800.

Theater & Drama Salary in Baton Rouge (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Baton Rouge's cost of living index of 82 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$32,800($-7,200 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$41,000($-9,000 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$53,300($-11,700 vs national)

Note: National average Theater & Drama salary: $40,000 starting, $50,000 mid-career, $65,000 senior level.Baton Rouge adjustment factor: 0.82x based on the local cost of living index.

Theater & Drama ROI Calculator for Baton Rouge

Estimate your return on investment for a Theater & Drama degree using local Baton Rouge tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $9,889 | Private avg: $38,908

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Baton Rouge avg aid: $9,166/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$93,740

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$4,100

vs HS diploma in Baton Rouge

ROI Payback Period

22.9 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Baton Rouge

$-28,140

Lifetime earnings premium ($65,600) minus total education cost ($93,740)

Student Loan Payoff for Theater & Drama in Baton Rouge

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$93,740

Monthly Payment$1,064

Total Interest$33,988

% of Monthly Income39%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$93,740

Monthly Payment$1,834

Total Interest$16,308

Interest Savings$17,680

Colleges in Baton Rouge for Theater & Drama

Louisiana State University

public

$11,962/yr

$47,848 total

Southern University

public

$7,816/yr

$31,264 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Baton Rouge Community College

$4,236/yr

Top Employers for Theater & Drama in Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge offers opportunities in Publishing, Non-profits, Education for Theater & Drama graduates. National top employers in this field include:

BroadwayFilm StudiosTV NetworksRegional TheatersSchools

Key Baton Rouge Hiring Sectors for Humanities

Publishing

Non-profits

Education

Media companies

Government

Common Theater & Drama Job Titles

ActorDirectorStage ManagerTheater Teacher

Theater & Drama in Nearby Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA

$36K starting · COL 90

23 colleges

Shreveport, LA

$40K starting · COL 99

14 colleges

Metairie, LA

$36K starting · COL 89.4

6 colleges

Lafayette, LA

$42K starting · COL 104

5 colleges

Lake Charles, LA

$32K starting · COL 80

6 colleges

Bossier City, LA

$35K starting · COL 87.8

3 colleges

Kenner, LA

$37K starting · COL 92.5

3 colleges

Other Humanities Majors in Baton Rouge

Chinese Studies

$45K starting · 4 yr ROI

Linguistics

$41K starting · 5.5 yr ROI

Philosophy

$36K starting · 6.5 yr ROI

Foreign Languages & Literatures

$41K starting · 6.5 yr ROI

English

$34K starting · 7 yr ROI

History

$36K starting · 7.5 yr ROI

Classical Studies

$37K starting · 6 yr ROI

Classics

$41K starting · 8 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Theater & Drama degree outcomes in Baton Rouge, LA: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Theater & Drama programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Louisiana.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Baton Rouge using regional CPI data.
10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
Job market outlook for Theater & Drama graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Theater & Drama career projections
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Theater & Drama grads

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Baton Rouge Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Louisiana students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (Louisiana)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Louisiana programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "louisiana higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

Theater & Drama Degree in Baton Rouge — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

Explore More

Compare Theater & Drama ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Baton Rouge.

Theater & Drama Overview Colleges in Baton Rouge All Majors