Best colleges for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft in New Jersey
Ranked by graduate earnings
Rutgers University - New Brunswick, Rowan University and Montclair State University are the top bachelor's Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs in New Jersey by graduate earnings. Rutgers University - New Brunswick leads with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $24,770, College Scorecard. Montclair State University, Rutgers University - New Brunswick and Rowan University award the most Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft degrees in New Jersey: 60, 49 and 36 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25). 13 New Jersey colleges offer Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft and award 223 degrees and certificates a year in all.
The Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft program focuses on the visual and performing arts, providing students with a comprehensive education in various aspects of theatre production and performance. This program is ideal for individuals…
Top 6 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rutgers University - New Brunswick New Brunswick Public · Bachelor's degree | $24,770 | 49 | 84% | — | $23,000 |
| 2 | Rowan University Glassboro Public · Bachelor's degree | $18,558 | 36 | 67% | — | $25,000 |
| 3 | Montclair State University Montclair Public · Bachelor's degree | $18,474 | 60 | 65% | — | $25,022 |
| 4 | Fairleigh Dickinson University - Florham Campus Madison Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $16,666 | 11 | 67% | $23,573 | $25,139 |
| 5 | Ramapo College of New Jersey Mahwah Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $15,372 | 4 | 70% | — | $20,620 |
| 6 | Drew University Madison Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $13,710 | 12 | 70% | $23,094 | $27,000 |
Colleges awarding the most Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft degrees in New Jersey
Top 10 by graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25 completions). Certificate and associate programs, online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools, and schools with a graduation rate under 30% are listed in full below.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Starting salary (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Montclair State University Montclair Public | 60 | $18,474 |
| 2 | Rutgers University - New Brunswick New Brunswick Public | 49 | $24,770* |
| 3 | Rowan University Glassboro Public | 36 | $18,558 |
| 4 | Rider University Lawrenceville Private not-for-profit | 19 | Not reported |
| 5 | Kean University Union Public | 13 | Not reported |
| 6 | Drew University Madison Private not-for-profit | 12 | $13,710 |
| 7 | Fairleigh Dickinson University - Florham Campus Madison Private not-for-profit | 11 | $16,666 |
| 8 | Rutgers University - Camden Camden Public | 7 | $24,770* |
| 9 | New Jersey Institute of Technology Newark Public | 5 | Not reported |
| 10 | Ramapo College of New Jersey Mahwah Public | 4 | $15,372 |
ShowHide the other 3 New Jersey colleges offering Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
| Institution | City | Control | Graduates / yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rutgers University - Newark | Newark | Public | 3 |
| Bergen Community College | Paramus | Public | 2 |
| Seton Hall University | South Orange | Private not-for-profit | 2 |
Career outlook
What this program leads to: Producers and Directors (SOC 27-2012).
Top skills
What Producers and Directors earn in New Jersey
Related careers
Common questions
Answers for students comparing Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs in New Jersey.
Which New Jersey colleges award the most Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft degrees?+
Montclair State University (60 graduates a year), Rutgers University - New Brunswick (49 graduates a year) and Rowan University (36 graduates a year) award the most Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft degrees in New Jersey, per IPEDS 2024–25 completions. In all, 13 New Jersey colleges offer Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft.
What is the best college for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft in New Jersey?+
By graduate earnings, Rutgers University - New Brunswick leads among bachelor's Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs in New Jersey, with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $24,770, College Scorecard. Rowan University and Montclair State University follow. By degrees awarded, Montclair State University is the largest, with 60 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25).
Which Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft program in New Jersey has the highest-earning graduates?+
By median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, Rutgers University - New Brunswick tops the list at $24,770. Compare it against graduates a year, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.
How much do Producers and Directors earn in New Jersey?+
The average annual wage for Producers and Directors in New Jersey is $124,310 (median $119,840), across about 2,970 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
What is the focus of the Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft program?+
The Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft program focuses on the visual and performing arts, providing students with a comprehensive education in various aspects of theatre production and performance. This program is ideal for individuals…
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop active listening, reading comprehension, speaking, critical thinking, and related professional skills.
What is the job outlook for Producers and Directors?+
The national job outlook is about +4.9% growth with around 12,800 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).
What is the typical education requirement?+
A Bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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