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Theater & Drama at Arcadia University

Glenside, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
17 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
18
Optimistic
17
Base Case
15
Pessimistic
Earnings $17,203/yr (-19% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 2.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #220 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 $382K $391K $377K
Earnings Multiple 2.0x 2.0x 2.0x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 18 17 15

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$193,160
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$103,464
46% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
18.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$18,385
7% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $17,203 per year, Theater & Drama graduates from Arcadia University earn below the $21,147 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

At 2.0x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 1% 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 1.6x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #220 ranking among 270 Theater & Drama programs places Arcadia University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $17,203 to $18,385 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Arcadia University

With 79% of applicants admitted, Arcadia University prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 1,799 students in Glenside, PA. The average net cost of $103,464 over four years represents a 46% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Arcadia 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 Arcadia University

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($50,672) Accounting and Related Services ($46,846) International Business ($40,659) Biology, General ($40,110) Health and Medical Administrative Services ($38,581) Sociology ($36,919) Criminology ($33,823) International/Global Studies ($30,872)

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 17/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Theater & Drama at Arcadia University?
At 17/100, 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 Arcadia University?
At $27,000 in median debt, graduates carry 19 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Is Arcadia University a good choice for Theater & Drama despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Arcadia University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →