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Theater & Drama at Augustana College

Rock Island, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
19 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
19
Optimistic
19
Base Case
15
Pessimistic
Earnings $20,326/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 2.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #182 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 $399K $406K $390K
Earnings Multiple 2.0x 2.0x 2.0x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 19 19 15

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$199,336
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$49,748
75% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,955
15.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Augustana College's Theater & Drama program produces graduates earning $20,326/yr — within striking distance of the $21,147 national average for this field.

An earnings multiple of 2.0x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 37% task exposure — and the 2% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $26,955 debt load exceeds a year of the $20,326 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #182 out of 270 programs, Augustana College's financial outcomes for Theater & Drama trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Augustana College

Augustana College's 68% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, a compact campus enrolling 2,418 students in Rock Island, IL. The average net cost of $49,748 over four years represents a 75% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Augustana College →

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 Augustana College

Computer Science ($74,745) Accounting and Related Services ($62,149) Engineering Physics ($54,165) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($50,210) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($45,517) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($45,145) Communication and Media Studies ($40,806) Geography and Cartography ($40,683)

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

How does Augustana College's Theater & Drama program score?
This program scores 19/100 — on the lower end for Theater & Drama. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Augustana College Theater & Drama graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.3x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
How affordable is Theater & Drama at Augustana College after financial aid?
Sticker price is $199,336, but the average net cost is $49,748 — a 75% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →