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

The estimated starting salary for Theater & Drama graduates in Columbus, GA is $33,800 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 84.5. The national average starting salary for this major is $40,000. Salaries in Columbus are 16% lower than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Theater & Drama degree worth it in Columbus?

A Theater & Drama degree in Columbus has an estimated ROI payback period of 22.7 years, with a projected lifetime return of $-28,332 after subtracting education costs. With 8 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $9,800/year, Columbus offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 4% 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 Columbus?

The average annual public university tuition in Columbus is $9,800, while private universities average $32,000/year. Including room and board ($14,183/year), total 4-year costs range from $95,932 at a public school to $184,732 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Columbus is $10,227/year.

What jobs can Theater & Drama graduates get in Columbus?

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

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Theater & Drama graduates in Columbus would pay $1,089/month on an estimated $95,932 in loans, with $34,783 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,877/month but save $18,093 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $33,800, monthly payments would represent 39% of gross monthly income.

Theater & Drama Degree in Columbus, GA — Salary & ROI 2026

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

Starting Salary

$34K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$42K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

22.7 yrs

in Columbus

Cost of Living

84.5

index (100 = avg)

Theater & Drama in Columbus, GA Overview

Columbus, Georgia (pop. 206,922) has 8 colleges offering Theater & Drama programs. The local cost of living index of 84.5 keeps student expenses low, with average rent near campus at $525/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 Columbus is approximately $33,800.

Theater & Drama Salary in Columbus (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Columbus's cost of living index of 84.5 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$33,800($-6,200 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$42,250($-7,750 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$54,925($-10,075 vs national)

Note: National average Theater & Drama salary: $40,000 starting, $50,000 mid-career, $65,000 senior level.Columbus adjustment factor: 0.84x based on the local cost of living index.

Theater & Drama ROI Calculator for Columbus

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

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $9,800 | Private avg: $32,000

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Columbus avg aid: $10,227/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

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

Total Education Cost

$95,932

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$4,225

vs HS diploma in Columbus

ROI Payback Period

22.7 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Columbus

$-28,332

Lifetime earnings premium ($67,600) minus total education cost ($95,932)

Student Loan Payoff for Theater & Drama in Columbus

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$95,932

Monthly Payment$1,089

Total Interest$34,783

% of Monthly Income39%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$95,932

Monthly Payment$1,877

Total Interest$16,689

Interest Savings$18,093

Colleges in Columbus for Theater & Drama

Columbus State University

public

$10,056/yr

$40,224 total

University of Columbus

public

$10,212/yr

$40,848 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Columbus Community College

$5,412/yr

Georgia Technical College - Columbus

$5,084/yr

Top Employers for Theater & Drama in Columbus

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

BroadwayFilm StudiosTV NetworksRegional TheatersSchools

Key Columbus Hiring Sectors for Humanities

Publishing

Non-profits

Education

Media companies

Government

Common Theater & Drama Job Titles

ActorDirectorStage ManagerTheater Teacher

Theater & Drama in Nearby Georgia Cities

Atlanta, GA

$40K starting · COL 101

23 colleges

Augusta, GA

$33K starting · COL 83

11 colleges

Macon, GA

$40K starting · COL 101

13 colleges

Savannah, GA

$38K starting · COL 95

12 colleges

Athens, GA

$41K starting · COL 103

11 colleges

Sandy Springs, GA

$45K starting · COL 112.5

5 colleges

Roswell, GA

$43K starting · COL 108.2

4 colleges

Johns Creek, GA

$45K starting · COL 112.8

4 colleges

Other Humanities Majors in Columbus

Chinese Studies

$46K starting · 4 yr ROI

Linguistics

$42K starting · 5.5 yr ROI

Philosophy

$37K starting · 6.5 yr ROI

Foreign Languages & Literatures

$42K starting · 6.5 yr ROI

English

$35K starting · 7 yr ROI

History

$37K starting · 7.5 yr ROI

Classical Studies

$38K starting · 6 yr ROI

Classics

$42K starting · 8 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

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

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Georgia 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 (Georgia)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Georgia programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "georgia 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 Columbus — 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 Columbus.

Theater & Drama Overview Colleges in Columbus All Majors