Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 80.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 79.2%
- Retention Rate
- 88.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $38,357
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,870
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 6:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 64.0%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $253/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | Master | $48,041 | |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | Bachelor | $32,213 | $23,500 |
| Music. | Master | $29,141 | |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | Bachelor | $22,917 | $26,139 |
| Dance. | Bachelor | $18,771 | $22,454 |
Outcomes Overview
UNCSA graduates enter competitive creative industries where early career earnings reflect the realities of arts professions. The median debt of $23,870 creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 62%, higher than most fields but typical for conservatory programs. Monthly loan payments of $253 consume roughly 14% of early career income based on first-year median earnings of $20,265. Many graduates pursue careers in film, theater, dance companies, and music performance where income often grows with experience and recognition. Notable alumni like Jada Pinkett Smith and Mary-Louise Parker demonstrate the school's pipeline to major entertainment industry success. Given the specialized training and strong employment rate of 93.5%, UNCSA offers an average return on investment for serious arts professionals.