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

The estimated starting salary for Theater & Drama graduates in Eugene, OR is $52,000 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 130. The national average starting salary for this major is $40,000. Salaries in Eugene are 30% higher than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Theater & Drama degree worth it in Eugene?

A Theater & Drama degree in Eugene has an estimated ROI payback period of 19.3 years, with a projected lifetime return of $-21,568 after subtracting education costs. With 14 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $12,720/year, Eugene offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 4.7% 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 Eugene?

The average annual public university tuition in Eugene is $12,720, while private universities average $33,710/year. Including room and board ($18,672/year), total 4-year costs range from $125,568 at a public school to $209,528 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Eugene is $14,904/year.

What jobs can Theater & Drama graduates get in Eugene?

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

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Theater & Drama graduates in Eugene would pay $1,426/month on an estimated $125,568 in loans, with $45,528 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $2,457/month but save $23,683 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $52,000, monthly payments would represent 33% of gross monthly income.

Theater & Drama Degree in Eugene, OR — Salary & ROI 2026

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

Starting Salary

$52K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$65K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

19.3 yrs

in Eugene

Cost of Living

130

index (100 = avg)

Theater & Drama in Eugene, OR Overview

Eugene, Oregon (pop. 176,654) has 14 colleges offering Theater & Drama programs. The local cost of living index of 130 is higher than average, so budget accordingly, with average rent near campus at $1,157/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 Eugene is approximately $52,000.

Theater & Drama Salary in Eugene (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Eugene's cost of living index of 130 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$52,000(+$12,000 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$65,000(+$15,000 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$84,500(+$19,500 vs national)

Note: National average Theater & Drama salary: $40,000 starting, $50,000 mid-career, $65,000 senior level.Eugene adjustment factor: 1.30x based on the local cost of living index.

Theater & Drama ROI Calculator for Eugene

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

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $12,720 | Private avg: $33,710

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Eugene avg aid: $14,904/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

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

Total Education Cost

$125,568

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$6,500

vs HS diploma in Eugene

ROI Payback Period

19.3 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Eugene

$-21,568

Lifetime earnings premium ($104,000) minus total education cost ($125,568)

Student Loan Payoff for Theater & Drama in Eugene

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$125,568

Monthly Payment$1,426

Total Interest$45,528

% of Monthly Income33%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$125,568

Monthly Payment$2,457

Total Interest$21,845

Interest Savings$23,683

Colleges in Eugene for Theater & Drama

University of Oregon

public

$12,720/yr

$50,880 total

Northwest Christian University

private

$33,710/yr

$134,840 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Lane Community College

$4,536/yr

Top Employers for Theater & Drama in Eugene

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

BroadwayFilm StudiosTV NetworksRegional TheatersSchools

Key Eugene Hiring Sectors for Humanities

Publishing

Non-profits

Education

Media companies

Government

Common Theater & Drama Job Titles

ActorDirectorStage ManagerTheater Teacher

Theater & Drama in Nearby Oregon Cities

Portland, OR

$45K starting · COL 112

24 colleges

Salem, OR

$48K starting · COL 120

14 colleges

Gresham, OR

$44K starting · COL 110.2

5 colleges

Hillsboro, OR

$46K starting · COL 115.5

5 colleges

Bend, OR

$43K starting · COL 107

2 colleges

Beaverton, OR

$42K starting · COL 105.9

4 colleges

Medford, OR

$44K starting · COL 111

4 colleges

Springfield, OR

$48K starting · COL 120.3

3 colleges

Other Humanities Majors in Eugene

Chinese Studies

$72K starting · 4 yr ROI

Linguistics

$65K starting · 5.5 yr ROI

Philosophy

$57K starting · 6.5 yr ROI

Foreign Languages & Literatures

$65K starting · 6.5 yr ROI

English

$55K starting · 7 yr ROI

History

$57K starting · 7.5 yr ROI

Classical Studies

$59K starting · 6 yr ROI

Classics

$65K starting · 8 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

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

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Oregon 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 (Oregon)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Oregon programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "oregon 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 Eugene — 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.

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Theater & Drama Overview Colleges in Eugene All Majors