Dear Roadie,
My son wants to major in music or theatre, but I don’t think those majors are worth the tuition bill. I’m worried he’ll realize how hard it is to break into the entertainment business once he’s already graduated and regret his decision not to pursue something with more opportunities that also pays better. He says I can’t condition tuition on what his major is, but I’m the one footing the bill. What do you think?
— Not So Sure About Creative Majors
Dear Not So Sure About Creative Majors,
I realize that your son announcing he’s majoring in a creative field—whether it be art, theater, filmmaking, or something else—just as you’re staring down the barrel of college tuition bills may come as a major surprise. Hopefully, you’re proud of him for following his passions, but you’re also wondering if you’re about to bankroll four years of “starving artist” prep. Is footing the bill a wise investment?
First, let’s bust a myth: Majoring in a creative field doesn’t automatically doom someone to a life of ramen noodles and secondhand furniture. Creative careers are diverse, and, in many cases, they can even be lucrative. Graphic designers, music conductors, copywriters, filmmakers, and animators can earn solid incomes—and creative thinking is increasingly valued in fields like marketing, tech, and even healthcare.
Yes, some paths are riskier than others, but here’s the twist: Skills gained through creative degrees—problem-solving, innovation, and communication—are transferable and highly sought after in today’s job market. Creativity isn’t just an asset; it’s a superpower.
Let’s say your predictions come true and your son eventually finds that while he is an amazing singer or actor, the jobs are hard to get, and the pay isn’t all that great. Unless he wants to suddenly become a doctor, lawyer, engineer, or something else that’s major-dependent, he’s likely to find that many professionals end up working in fields that have little to nothing to do with their college major anyway. Having majored in music or theatre won’t necessarily preclude him from building a career in an entirely different field, so long as he’s willing to start at the bottom (like most college grads) and work his way up. He may even find that securing a less creative job in the field of music and entertainment provides the perfect balance, and in those cases, his degree may come in handy in terms of understanding the ins and outs of the business overall.
College Is About More Than Just Your Major
Keep in mind that college isn’t just about landing a job; it’s about growth, exploration, and figuring out who you are. It’s also a time to build networks, make connections, and learn critical life skills like time management (and how to survive on coffee and adrenaline).
Supporting your son on his college journey means investing in more than his major—you’re backing his potential. A degree in music, theatre, or creative writing may not come with a guaranteed paycheck, but it could lead to a career in publishing, advertising, or content creation. And even if his dream job doesn’t pan out immediately, his time in college will still prepare him for whatever comes next.
Believe me, I know tuition is expensive, and you want to make sure you’re spending your hard-earned money wisely. But there are ways to approach the financial side of things without discouraging your son’s dreams.
First, introduce the term ROI (Return on Investment). Have an honest conversation about the financial realities of his chosen field. What’s the average starting salary? Are internships essential? What’s the path to sustainability? A quick Google search can yield these and more answers, just keep in mind that most salary predictions are generalized, and a lot depends on location, experience, and an employer’s opportunities for advancement.
If you’re still nervous about funding a creative degree, consider striking a deal where you help with tuition if he adds a marketable minor (like business or computer science) or pursues internships that build practical skills. This is also a great time to encourage him to use his talent to secure scholarships to help pay tuition—it’s free money, and it may take some of the financial pressure off you.
Passion Is Important, But It’s Not the Only Factor to Consider
Whatever you do, forcing your son into a more “practical” major might backfire. Research shows that job satisfaction plays a huge role in long-term career success. If he’s passionate about his craft, he’s more likely to excel and stay motivated—even in a challenging field. On the flip side, pushing him into a field he doesn’t love (hello, accounting!) could lead to lackluster performance, career burnout, or even a costly pivot back to his creative roots later in life.
Encouraging your son to have a plan B isn’t about doubting him—it’s about being practical. Like all fields, networking Is key. The creative industry thrives on connections, so ask him how he plans on developing those relationships both during and after college. Remind him that many creatives support themselves with freelance or temporary gigs while building their dream careers. Is he prepared to do that to sustain himself after college? If he says yes, then you have to trust that he will do just that. Finally, remind him (and you) that creative skills can apply to diverse jobs—from corporate storytelling to digital marketing.
Here’s the big takeaway: Your support—financial, emotional, or both—sends a powerful message. It tells your son you believe in him and his dreams, even if they don’t follow a traditional path. That belief can be the foundation from which he thrives.
If you’re still on the fence, remember that college is never just about the major. It’s about learning, growth, and the courage to chase your goals. Whether your son becomes the next Justin Timberlake, Steven Spielberg, or Tom Cruise, or simply uses his creative degree as a springboard into something unexpected, he’ll carry those lessons with him for life.
Who knows? That kid of yours might just surprise you.
Have a perplexing college question? Email Dear Roadie for advice at dearroadie@road2college.com
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