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

The estimated starting salary for Theater & Drama graduates in Glendale, AZ is $42,000 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 105. The national average starting salary for this major is $40,000. Salaries in Glendale are 5% higher than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Theater & Drama degree worth it in Glendale?

A Theater & Drama degree in Glendale has an estimated ROI payback period of 20.1 years, with a projected lifetime return of $-21,348 after subtracting education costs. With 16 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $12,652/year, Glendale offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 4.8% 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 Glendale?

The average annual public university tuition in Glendale is $12,652, while private universities average $44,500/year. Including room and board ($13,685/year), total 4-year costs range from $105,348 at a public school to $232,740 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Glendale is $14,168/year.

What jobs can Theater & Drama graduates get in Glendale?

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

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Theater & Drama graduates in Glendale would pay $1,196/month on an estimated $105,348 in loans, with $38,197 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $2,061/month but save $19,869 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $42,000, monthly payments would represent 34% of gross monthly income.

Theater & Drama Degree in Glendale, AZ — Salary & ROI 2026

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

Starting Salary

$42K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$53K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

20.1 yrs

in Glendale

Cost of Living

105

index (100 = avg)

Theater & Drama in Glendale, AZ Overview

Glendale, Arizona (pop. 248,325) has 16 colleges offering Theater & Drama programs. The local cost of living index of 105 is near the national average, with average rent near campus at $1,370/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 Glendale is approximately $42,000.

Theater & Drama Salary in Glendale (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Glendale's cost of living index of 105 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$42,000(+$2,000 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$52,500(+$2,500 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$68,250(+$3,250 vs national)

Note: National average Theater & Drama salary: $40,000 starting, $50,000 mid-career, $65,000 senior level.Glendale adjustment factor: 1.05x based on the local cost of living index.

Theater & Drama ROI Calculator for Glendale

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

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $12,652 | Private avg: $44,500

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Glendale avg aid: $14,168/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

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

Total Education Cost

$105,348

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$5,250

vs HS diploma in Glendale

ROI Payback Period

20.1 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Glendale

$-21,348

Lifetime earnings premium ($84,000) minus total education cost ($105,348)

Student Loan Payoff for Theater & Drama in Glendale

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$105,348

Monthly Payment$1,196

Total Interest$38,197

% of Monthly Income34%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$105,348

Monthly Payment$2,061

Total Interest$18,327

Interest Savings$19,869

Colleges in Glendale for Theater & Drama

Midwestern University

private

$44,500/yr

$178,000 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Glendale Community College

$2,580/yr

Top Employers for Theater & Drama in Glendale

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

BroadwayFilm StudiosTV NetworksRegional TheatersSchools

Key Glendale Hiring Sectors for Humanities

Publishing

Non-profits

Education

Media companies

Government

Common Theater & Drama Job Titles

ActorDirectorStage ManagerTheater Teacher

Theater & Drama in Nearby Arizona Cities

Phoenix, AZ

$61K starting · COL 152

72 colleges

Tucson, AZ

$46K starting · COL 116

24 colleges

Mesa, AZ

$44K starting · COL 110

31 colleges

Chandler, AZ

$50K starting · COL 124

22 colleges

Gilbert, AZ

$48K starting · COL 119

26 colleges

Scottsdale, AZ

$50K starting · COL 126

16 colleges

Peoria, AZ

$42K starting · COL 103.8

7 colleges

Tempe, AZ

$45K starting · COL 113

5 colleges

Other Humanities Majors in Glendale

Chinese Studies

$58K starting · 4 yr ROI

Linguistics

$53K starting · 5.5 yr ROI

Philosophy

$46K starting · 6.5 yr ROI

Foreign Languages & Literatures

$53K starting · 6.5 yr ROI

English

$44K starting · 7 yr ROI

History

$46K starting · 7.5 yr ROI

Classical Studies

$47K starting · 6 yr ROI

Classics

$53K starting · 8 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

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

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Arizona 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 (Arizona)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Arizona programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "arizona 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 Glendale — 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 Glendale.

Theater & Drama Overview Colleges in Glendale All Majors