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

The estimated starting salary for Theater & Drama graduates in Orlando, FL is $38,400 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 96. The national average starting salary for this major is $40,000. Salaries in Orlando are 4% lower than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Theater & Drama degree worth it in Orlando?

A Theater & Drama degree in Orlando has an estimated ROI payback period of 13.4 years, with a projected lifetime return of $12,396 after subtracting education costs. With 16 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $6,368/year, Orlando offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 6.5% 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 Orlando?

The average annual public university tuition in Orlando is $6,368, while private universities average $44,990/year. Including room and board ($9,733/year), total 4-year costs range from $64,404 at a public school to $218,892 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Orlando is $11,728/year.

What jobs can Theater & Drama graduates get in Orlando?

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

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Theater & Drama graduates in Orlando would pay $731/month on an estimated $64,404 in loans, with $23,351 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,260/month but save $12,147 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $38,400, monthly payments would represent 23% of gross monthly income.

Theater & Drama Degree in Orlando, FL — Salary & ROI 2026

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

Starting Salary

$38K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$48K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

13.4 yrs

in Orlando

Cost of Living

index (100 = avg)

Theater & Drama in Orlando, FL Overview

Orlando, Florida (pop. 307,573) has 16 colleges offering Theater & Drama programs. The local cost of living index of 96 is near the national average, with average rent near campus at $804/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 Orlando is approximately $38,400.

Theater & Drama Salary in Orlando (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Orlando's cost of living index of 96 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$38,400($-1,600 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$48,000($-2,000 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$62,400($-2,600 vs national)

Note: National average Theater & Drama salary: $40,000 starting, $50,000 mid-career, $65,000 senior level.Orlando adjustment factor: 0.96x based on the local cost of living index.

Theater & Drama ROI Calculator for Orlando

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

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $6,368 | Private avg: $44,990

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Orlando avg aid: $11,728/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

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

Total Education Cost

$64,404

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$4,800

vs HS diploma in Orlando

ROI Payback Period

13.4 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Orlando

$12,396

Lifetime earnings premium ($76,800) minus total education cost ($64,404)

Student Loan Payoff for Theater & Drama in Orlando

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$64,404

Monthly Payment$731

Total Interest$23,351

% of Monthly Income23%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$64,404

Monthly Payment$1,260

Total Interest$11,204

Interest Savings$12,147

Colleges in Orlando for Theater & Drama

University of Central Florida

public

$6,368/yr

$25,472 total

Rollins College

private

$44,990/yr

$179,960 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Valencia College

$3,110/yr

Top Employers for Theater & Drama in Orlando

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

BroadwayFilm StudiosTV NetworksRegional TheatersSchools

Key Orlando Hiring Sectors for Humanities

Publishing

Non-profits

Education

Media companies

Government

Common Theater & Drama Job Titles

ActorDirectorStage ManagerTheater Teacher

Theater & Drama in Nearby Florida Cities

Jacksonville, FL

$47K starting · COL 117

35 colleges

Miami, FL

$39K starting · COL 98

12 colleges

Tampa, FL

$40K starting · COL 101

26 colleges

St. Petersburg, FL

$39K starting · COL 97

22 colleges

Hialeah, FL

$31K starting · COL 78

22 colleges

Port St. Lucie, FL

$39K starting · COL 98.5

8 colleges

Tallahassee, FL

$36K starting · COL 89

11 colleges

Cape Coral, FL

$39K starting · COL 97.8

7 colleges

Other Humanities Majors in Orlando

Chinese Studies

$53K starting · 4 yr ROI

Linguistics

$48K starting · 5.5 yr ROI

Philosophy

$42K starting · 6.5 yr ROI

Foreign Languages & Literatures

$48K starting · 6.5 yr ROI

English

$40K starting · 7 yr ROI

History

$42K starting · 7.5 yr ROI

Classical Studies

$43K starting · 6 yr ROI

Classics

$48K starting · 8 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

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

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Florida 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 (Florida)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Florida programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "florida 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 Orlando — 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 Orlando.

Theater & Drama Overview Colleges in Orlando All Majors