Compare 15 Acting. programs in Ohio. Average earnings: $24,623.
Acting programs produce graduates earning between $14,339 and $35,396—a $21K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 15 ranked programs in Ohio, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
Topping the list, Otterbein University's program delivers $35,396 in median earnings from a compact cohort of 23 students. Ohio State follows at $31,403, while Ohio University reaches $30,585. The average across all programs is $24,623, showing how top programs significantly outperform the field.
High earnings come with serious debt burden in Ohio acting programs. Even the top performer, Otterbein University, carries a 27.8% payment burden for student loans alone—classified as 'High burden.' When parent loans are included, the burden jumps to 76.4%, making affordability a critical factor in program choice.
Highest program earnings: $35,396
Strong outcomes with 83% acceptance
27.8% payment burden | High burden - payment over 25% of discretionary
76.4% family burden | High burden - payment over 25% of discretionary
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Otterbein UniversityPrivate | $35,396 | 23 | $26,000 | High | $39,500 | High |
| #2 | $31,403 | 20 | $19,976 | High | $25,868 | High | |
| #3 | $30,585 | 21 | $21,056 | High | $23,508 | High | |
| #4 | $28,574 | 72 | $24,500 | High | $21,394 | High | |
| #5 | $26,927 | 32 | $22,750 | High | $14,381 | High | |
| #6 | $24,933 | 13 | $24,000 | High | $16,900 | High | |
| #7 | $24,439 | 19 | $25,000 | High | $25,947 | High | |
| #8 | $22,906 | 51 | $21,250 | High | $23,602 | High | |
| #9 | Oberlin CollegePrivate | $22,771 | 17 | $26,000 | High | $45,976 | High |
| #10 | Baldwin Wallace UniversityPrivate | $22,593 | 32 | $27,000 | High | $31,484 | High |
| #11 | Miami University-OxfordPublic | $21,964 | 22 | $23,000 | High | $34,512 | High |
| #12 | University Of ToledoPublic | $21,685 | 5 | $22,250 | High | $19,243 | High |
| #13 | Ohio Northern UniversityPrivate | $20,690 | 18 | $27,000 | High | $32,246 | High |
| #14 | Denison UniversityPrivate | $20,140 | 7 | $26,000 | High | $45,521 | High |
| #15 | $14,339 | 16 | $21,797 | High | $16,998 | 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 →
