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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

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 TradeSchoolOutlook →

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 →