Theater & Drama at Academy of Art University
San Francisco, CA · Private for-profit · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
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
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
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
Compare & Explore
Theater & Drama at Other Schools
Other Majors at Academy of Art University
Explore the Trade Alternative
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 →