Program Analysis
Ball State University's Theater & Drama graduates start at $23,748/yr — above the $21,147 national average, though not by a wide margin.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 10.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Theater & Drama programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Theater & Drama's typical career paths, with 37% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 4% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $24,340 against $23,748/yr in first-year earnings means roughly 1.0 years of salary goes to loan repayment. That's a heavy but not crushing debt load.
At #104 of 270 Theater & Drama programs, Ball State University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Earnings grow from $23,748 to $32,171 over five years — a 35% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.