Compare 9 Acting. programs in Missouri. Average earnings: $27,372.
With top graduates earning $33,759, Acting stands out as a field where program choice matters more than school name. The gap between the best and median programs exceeds $6K—proof that evaluating programs individually beats relying on institutional prestige. Across 9 ranked Missouri programs, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
Missouri State University-Springfield leads with Acting graduates earning $33,759, followed closely by Lindenwood University at $33,381. The data reveals a tight competition among Missouri programs, with average earnings of $27,372. What separates the leaders isn't prestige—it's program-specific factors that drive career outcomes in this specialized field.
Acting programs present affordability challenges across Missouri. Missouri State leads in earnings but carries a 27% payment burden from $22K in student loans, classified as 'high burden.' When parent loans are included, the burden jumps to 48%. These debt-to-earnings ratios of 0.65-0.78 require careful financial planning for aspiring actors.
Highest program earnings: $33,759
Strong outcomes with 91% acceptance rate
27% payment burden | High burden - payment over 25% of discretionary
48.3% family burden | High burden - payment over 25% of discretionary
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $33,759 | 33 | $21,992 | High | $15,092 | High | |
| #2 | Lindenwood UniversityPrivate | $33,381 | 19 | $26,000 | High | $18,445 | High |
| #3 | Truman State UniversityPublic | $32,328 | 6 | $21,000 | High | $14,503 | High |
| #4 | $27,686 | 13 | $21,000 | High | $14,000 | High | |
| #5 | $26,929 | 9 | $19,968 | High | $11,334 | High | |
| #6 | Saint Louis UniversityPrivate | $26,353 | 6 | $25,000 | High | $34,177 | High |
| #7 | Webster UniversityPrivate | $25,277 | 50 | $23,000 | High | $13,587 | High |
| #8 | Drury UniversityPrivate | $21,964 | 6 | $20,979 | High | $26,668 | High |
| #9 | Stephens CollegePrivate | $18,669 | 18 | $27,000 | High | $27,900 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
