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

The estimated starting salary for Theater & Drama graduates in Mesa, AZ is $44,000 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 110. The national average starting salary for this major is $40,000. Salaries in Mesa are 10% higher than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Theater & Drama degree worth it in Mesa?

A Theater & Drama degree in Mesa has an estimated ROI payback period of 18.5 years, with a projected lifetime return of $-13,976 after subtracting education costs. With 31 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $12,467/year, Mesa offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 3.5% 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 Mesa?

The average annual public university tuition in Mesa is $12,467, while private universities average $36,100/year. Including room and board ($13,027/year), total 4-year costs range from $101,976 at a public school to $196,508 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Mesa is $15,459/year.

What jobs can Theater & Drama graduates get in Mesa?

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

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Theater & Drama graduates in Mesa would pay $1,158/month on an estimated $101,976 in loans, with $36,974 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,995/month but save $19,233 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $44,000, monthly payments would represent 32% of gross monthly income.

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

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

Starting Salary

$44K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$55K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

18.5 yrs

in Mesa

Cost of Living

110

index (100 = avg)

Theater & Drama in Mesa, AZ Overview

Mesa is one of Arizona's top college towns, with 31 institutions and a student population of 36,638. Public tuition averages $12,467/year here — near the national average for public universities. 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 Mesa is approximately $44,000.

Theater & Drama Salary in Mesa (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Mesa's cost of living index of 110 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$44,000(+$4,000 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$55,000(+$5,000 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$71,500(+$6,500 vs national)

Note: National average Theater & Drama salary: $40,000 starting, $50,000 mid-career, $65,000 senior level.Mesa adjustment factor: 1.10x based on the local cost of living index.

Theater & Drama ROI Calculator for Mesa

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

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $12,467 | Private avg: $36,100

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Mesa avg aid: $15,459/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

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

Total Education Cost

$101,976

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$5,500

vs HS diploma in Mesa

ROI Payback Period

18.5 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Mesa

$-13,976

Lifetime earnings premium ($88,000) minus total education cost ($101,976)

Student Loan Payoff for Theater & Drama in Mesa

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$101,976

Monthly Payment$1,158

Total Interest$36,974

% of Monthly Income32%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$101,976

Monthly Payment$1,995

Total Interest$17,741

Interest Savings$19,233

Colleges in Mesa for Theater & Drama

Arizona State University Polytechnic

public

$12,467/yr

$49,868 total

A.T. Still University

private

$42,500/yr

$170,000 total

Benedictine University Mesa

private

$29,700/yr

$118,800 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Mesa Community College

$2,580/yr

Top Employers for Theater & Drama in Mesa

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

BroadwayFilm StudiosTV NetworksRegional TheatersSchools

Key Mesa 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

Chandler, AZ

$50K starting · COL 124

22 colleges

Gilbert, AZ

$48K starting · COL 119

26 colleges

Glendale, AZ

$42K starting · COL 105

16 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 Mesa

Chinese Studies

$61K starting · 4 yr ROI

Linguistics

$55K starting · 5.5 yr ROI

Philosophy

$48K starting · 6.5 yr ROI

Foreign Languages & Literatures

$55K starting · 6.5 yr ROI

English

$46K starting · 7 yr ROI

History

$48K starting · 7.5 yr ROI

Classical Studies

$50K starting · 6 yr ROI

Classics

$55K starting · 8 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

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

Theater & Drama Overview Colleges in Mesa All Majors