Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $21,508 track close to the $21,147 national median for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
An earnings multiple of 1.8x 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 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $26,849 debt load exceeds a year of the $21,508 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.
At #243 out of 270 programs, Boston University's financial outcomes for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $21,508 to $35,979 over five years (67% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.