Theater & Drama at Appalachian State University
Boone, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
22
Optimistic
22
Base Case
18
Pessimistic
Earnings
$20,256/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market
Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI
14.2x earnings multiple (4.4x out-of-state)
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 | $424K | $429K | $408K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 14.0x | 14.2x | 13.5x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.3x | 4.4x | 4.2x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 36% | 33% | 27% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 22 | 22 | 18 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$30,164
Out-of-state: $98,148 (4.4x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,750
14.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$28,084
39% growth from Year 1
About Appalachian State University
With 89% of applicants admitted, Appalachian State University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 19,304 in Boone, NC.
See all programs and financial aid at Appalachian State 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 Appalachian State 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 22/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Theater & Drama at Appalachian State University?
At 22/100, 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 Appalachian State University?
At $23,750 in median debt, graduates carry 14 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 →