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

The estimated starting salary for Theater & Drama graduates in Portland, OR is $44,800 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 112. The national average starting salary for this major is $40,000. Salaries in Portland are 12% higher than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Theater & Drama degree worth it in Portland?

A Theater & Drama degree in Portland has an estimated ROI payback period of 19.8 years, with a projected lifetime return of $-21,188 after subtracting education costs. With 24 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $9,585/year, Portland offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 5.1% 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 Portland?

The average annual public university tuition in Portland is $9,585, while private universities average $53,947/year. Including room and board ($18,112/year), total 4-year costs range from $110,788 at a public school to $288,236 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Portland is $15,300/year.

What jobs can Theater & Drama graduates get in Portland?

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

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Theater & Drama graduates in Portland would pay $1,258/month on an estimated $110,788 in loans, with $40,169 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $2,168/month but save $20,895 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $44,800, monthly payments would represent 34% of gross monthly income.

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

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

Starting Salary

$45K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$56K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

19.8 yrs

in Portland

Cost of Living

112

index (100 = avg)

Theater & Drama in Portland, OR Overview

Portland is one of Oregon's top college towns, with 24 institutions and a student population of 19,612. Public tuition averages $9,585/year here — well below the national average, making it a cost-effective choice. 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 Portland is approximately $44,800.

Theater & Drama Salary in Portland (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Portland's cost of living index of 112 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$44,800(+$4,800 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$56,000(+$6,000 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$72,800(+$7,800 vs national)

Note: National average Theater & Drama salary: $40,000 starting, $50,000 mid-career, $65,000 senior level.Portland adjustment factor: 1.12x based on the local cost of living index.

Theater & Drama ROI Calculator for Portland

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

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $9,585 | Private avg: $53,947

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Portland avg aid: $15,300/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

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

Total Education Cost

$110,788

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$5,600

vs HS diploma in Portland

ROI Payback Period

19.8 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Portland

$-21,188

Lifetime earnings premium ($89,600) minus total education cost ($110,788)

Student Loan Payoff for Theater & Drama in Portland

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$110,788

Monthly Payment$1,258

Total Interest$40,169

% of Monthly Income34%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$110,788

Monthly Payment$2,168

Total Interest$19,274

Interest Savings$20,895

Colleges in Portland for Theater & Drama

Portland State University

public

$9,585/yr

$38,340 total

University of Portland

private

$51,414/yr

$205,656 total

Lewis & Clark College

private

$56,480/yr

$225,920 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Portland Community College

$4,536/yr

Top Employers for Theater & Drama in Portland

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

BroadwayFilm StudiosTV NetworksRegional TheatersSchools

Key Portland 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

Eugene, OR

$52K starting · COL 130

14 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 Portland

Chinese Studies

$62K starting · 4 yr ROI

Linguistics

$56K starting · 5.5 yr ROI

Philosophy

$49K starting · 6.5 yr ROI

Foreign Languages & Literatures

$56K starting · 6.5 yr ROI

English

$47K starting · 7 yr ROI

History

$49K starting · 7.5 yr ROI

Classical Studies

$50K starting · 6 yr ROI

Classics

$56K starting · 8 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

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

Theater & Drama Overview Colleges in Portland All Majors