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Theater & Drama at Academy of Art University

San Francisco, CA · Private for-profit · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
14 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
15
Optimistic
14
Base Case
10
Pessimistic
Earnings $20,798/yr (-2% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 3.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #235 of 270 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Theater & Drama graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $401K $408K $392K
Earnings Multiple 3.6x 3.6x 3.5x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 15 14 10
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$112,096
Median Debt at Graduation
$30,666
17.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$19,276
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $20,798/yr, roughly in line with the $21,147 national median for Theater & Drama. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

At 3.6x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 2% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Theater & Drama career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.5x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #235 ranking among 270 Theater & Drama programs places Academy of Art University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Academy of Art University

with a smaller student body of 4,131 in San Francisco, CA. 42% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Academy of Art University →

Top Career Paths

Producers and directors $83,480/yr
Fashion designers $80,690/yr
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary $80,190/yr
View all 12 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 270 schools offering Theater & Drama →

Theater & Drama at Other Schools

Saint Mary's College of California ($38,160) University of Notre Dame ($37,531) Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University ($36,557) University of South Dakota ($33,852) The University of Texas at Austin ($33,261) Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania ($33,169) Carnegie Mellon University ($32,967) University of Colorado Boulder ($32,142)

Other Majors at Academy of Art University

Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians ($48,978) Computer Software and Media Applications ($45,387) Visual and Performing Arts, General ($28,494) Apparel and Textiles ($27,630) Graphic Communications ($27,481) Radio, Television, and Digital Communication ($25,425) Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($23,354) Design and Applied Arts ($20,829)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Theater & Drama trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 14/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Theater & Drama at Academy of Art University?
At 14/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Theater & Drama programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Theater & Drama degree from Academy of Art University?
At $30,666 in median debt, graduates carry 18 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →