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

The estimated starting salary for Theater & Drama graduates in Macon, GA is $40,400 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 101. The national average starting salary for this major is $40,000. Salaries in Macon are 1% higher than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Theater & Drama degree worth it in Macon?

A Theater & Drama degree in Macon has an estimated ROI payback period of 18.1 years, with a projected lifetime return of $-10,356 after subtracting education costs. With 13 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $11,056/year, Macon offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 6.8% 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 Macon?

The average annual public university tuition in Macon is $11,056, while private universities average $40,560/year. Including room and board ($11,733/year), total 4-year costs range from $91,156 at a public school to $209,172 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Macon is $10,538/year.

What jobs can Theater & Drama graduates get in Macon?

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

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Theater & Drama graduates in Macon would pay $1,035/month on an estimated $91,156 in loans, with $33,051 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,784/month but save $17,193 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $40,400, monthly payments would represent 31% of gross monthly income.

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

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

Starting Salary

$40K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$51K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

18.1 yrs

in Macon

Cost of Living

101

index (100 = avg)

Theater & Drama in Macon, GA Overview

Macon, Georgia (pop. 157,346) has 13 colleges offering Theater & Drama programs. The local cost of living index of 101 is near the national average, with average rent near campus at $1,007/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 Macon is approximately $40,400.

Theater & Drama Salary in Macon (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Macon's cost of living index of 101 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$40,400(+$400 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$50,500(+$500 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$65,650(+$650 vs national)

Note: National average Theater & Drama salary: $40,000 starting, $50,000 mid-career, $65,000 senior level.Macon adjustment factor: 1.01x based on the local cost of living index.

Theater & Drama ROI Calculator for Macon

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

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $11,056 | Private avg: $40,560

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Macon avg aid: $10,538/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

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

Total Education Cost

$91,156

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$5,050

vs HS diploma in Macon

ROI Payback Period

18.1 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Macon

$-10,356

Lifetime earnings premium ($80,800) minus total education cost ($91,156)

Student Loan Payoff for Theater & Drama in Macon

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$91,156

Monthly Payment$1,035

Total Interest$33,051

% of Monthly Income31%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$91,156

Monthly Payment$1,784

Total Interest$15,858

Interest Savings$17,193

Colleges in Macon for Theater & Drama

Mercer University

private

$40,560/yr

$162,240 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Central Georgia Technical College

$3,152/yr

Top Employers for Theater & Drama in Macon

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

BroadwayFilm StudiosTV NetworksRegional TheatersSchools

Key Macon 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

Columbus, GA

$34K starting · COL 84.5

8 colleges

Augusta, GA

$33K starting · COL 83

11 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 Macon

Chinese Studies

$56K starting · 4 yr ROI

Linguistics

$51K starting · 5.5 yr ROI

Philosophy

$44K starting · 6.5 yr ROI

Foreign Languages & Literatures

$51K starting · 6.5 yr ROI

English

$42K starting · 7 yr ROI

History

$44K starting · 7.5 yr ROI

Classical Studies

$45K starting · 6 yr ROI

Classics

$51K starting · 8 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Theater & Drama degree outcomes in Macon, 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 Macon 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 Macon 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 Macon — 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 Macon.

Theater & Drama Overview Colleges in Macon All Majors