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

The estimated starting salary for Theater & Drama graduates in Cary, NC is $43,400 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 108.5. The national average starting salary for this major is $40,000. Salaries in Cary are 8% higher than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Theater & Drama degree worth it in Cary?

A Theater & Drama degree in Cary has an estimated ROI payback period of 18.1 years, with a projected lifetime return of $-11,456 after subtracting education costs. With 7 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $9,200/year, Cary offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 4.1% 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 Cary?

The average annual public university tuition in Cary is $9,200, while private universities average $34,000/year. Including room and board ($15,364/year), total 4-year costs range from $98,256 at a public school to $197,456 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Cary is $8,896/year.

What jobs can Theater & Drama graduates get in Cary?

Theater & Drama graduates in Cary can pursue careers as Actor, Director, Stage Manager, Theater Teacher. Key skills valued by local employers include Acting, Directing, Stage Design, Playwriting. The Cary 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 Cary?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Theater & Drama graduates in Cary would pay $1,116/month on an estimated $98,256 in loans, with $35,625 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,922/month but save $18,532 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $43,400, monthly payments would represent 31% of gross monthly income.

Theater & Drama Degree in Cary, NC — Salary & ROI 2026

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

Starting Salary

$43K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$54K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

18.1 yrs

in Cary

Cost of Living

108.5

index (100 = avg)

Theater & Drama in Cary, NC Overview

Cary, North Carolina (pop. 174,721) has 7 colleges offering Theater & Drama programs. The local cost of living index of 108.5 is near the national average, with average rent near campus at $1,335/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 Cary is approximately $43,400.

Theater & Drama Salary in Cary (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Cary's cost of living index of 108.5 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$43,400(+$3,400 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$54,250(+$4,250 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$70,525(+$5,525 vs national)

Note: National average Theater & Drama salary: $40,000 starting, $50,000 mid-career, $65,000 senior level.Cary adjustment factor: 1.08x based on the local cost of living index.

Theater & Drama ROI Calculator for Cary

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

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $9,200 | Private avg: $34,000

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Cary avg aid: $8,896/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

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

Total Education Cost

$98,256

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$5,425

vs HS diploma in Cary

ROI Payback Period

18.1 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Cary

$-11,456

Lifetime earnings premium ($86,800) minus total education cost ($98,256)

Student Loan Payoff for Theater & Drama in Cary

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$98,256

Monthly Payment$1,116

Total Interest$35,625

% of Monthly Income31%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$98,256

Monthly Payment$1,922

Total Interest$17,093

Interest Savings$18,532

Colleges in Cary for Theater & Drama

Cary State University

public

$8,460/yr

$33,840 total

University of Cary

public

$9,070/yr

$36,280 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Cary Community College

$5,719/yr

Top Employers for Theater & Drama in Cary

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

BroadwayFilm StudiosTV NetworksRegional TheatersSchools

Key Cary Hiring Sectors for Humanities

Publishing

Non-profits

Education

Media companies

Government

Common Theater & Drama Job Titles

ActorDirectorStage ManagerTheater Teacher

Theater & Drama in Nearby North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC

$36K starting · COL 89

39 colleges

Raleigh, NC

$33K starting · COL 83

21 colleges

Greensboro, NC

$36K starting · COL 91

17 colleges

Durham, NC

$44K starting · COL 109

25 colleges

Winston-Salem, NC

$42K starting · COL 106

26 colleges

Fayetteville, NC

$36K starting · COL 90

15 colleges

Wilmington, NC

$38K starting · COL 95

5 colleges

High Point, NC

$34K starting · COL 84.5

5 colleges

Other Humanities Majors in Cary

Chinese Studies

$60K starting · 4 yr ROI

Linguistics

$54K starting · 5.5 yr ROI

Philosophy

$48K starting · 6.5 yr ROI

Foreign Languages & Literatures

$54K starting · 6.5 yr ROI

English

$46K starting · 7 yr ROI

History

$48K starting · 7.5 yr ROI

Classical Studies

$49K starting · 6 yr ROI

Classics

$54K starting · 8 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Theater & Drama degree outcomes in Cary, NC: 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 North Carolina.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Cary 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 Cary Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), North Carolina 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 (North Carolina)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — North Carolina programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "north carolina 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 Cary — 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 Cary.

Theater & Drama Overview Colleges in Cary All Majors