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Visual & Performing Arts · Theater & Drama Rank #243 of 270

Theater & Dramaat Boston University

Graduates earn $21,508/yr in their first year — about 2.0% above the national Theater & Drama average. Base-case 10-year earnings $465K; scenarios range from $438K to $463K depending on AI disruption.

Boston, MA Private nonprofit Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
14 AT RISK
15
Optimistic
10
Pessimistic
Earnings
$21,508
1-year post-graduation
ROI
0.4x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$465K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
Moderate
38% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Boston University

Boston University's strong academic standing and urban location significantly shape outcomes for Drama/Theatre Arts graduates. Your initial career trajectory in this field often reflects the project-based nature of the performing arts. While BU's elite reputation and extensive alumni network can open doors to highly sought-after internships and entry-level roles, particularly within Boston's vibrant theatre ecosystem (like the Huntington Theatre or American Repertory Theater), earnings typically scale with experience and portfolio development rather than a fixed corporate ladder. The "moderate" AI risk reflects that while some technical aspects of stagecraft or production might see AI integration, the core creative and human-centric roles remain essential. To truly thrive, aggressively pursue every practical experience, internship, and networking opportunity available through the program; your portfolio and connections will be as crucial as your degree.

AI Outlook Integration

Three scenarios, ten years out

Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$438K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score10/100
Earnings Multiple1.7x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$465K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score14/100
Earnings Multiple1.8x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$463K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score15/100
Earnings Multiple1.8x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Boston University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Theater & Drama graduates typically work

Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.

1
Producers and directors
+4.9% 10-yr growth · 12,800 openings/yr
$83,480/yr
Moderate
2
Fashion designers
+2.0% 10-yr growth · 2,300 openings/yr
$80,690/yr
Moderate
3
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary
+1.7% 10-yr growth · 9,000 openings/yr
$80,190/yr
Moderate
4
Writers and authors
+3.6% 10-yr growth · 13,400 openings/yr
$72,270/yr
Very High
5
Set and exhibit designers
+2.3% 10-yr growth · 2,500 openings/yr
$66,280/yr
Moderate
6
Music directors and composers
-0.3% 10-yr growth · 4,300 openings/yr
$63,670/yr
Very High
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Theater & Drama

How Boston University stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
Saint Mary's College of California
CA · Private nonprofit
31
DW Score
$38K
1-yr earn
0.7x
ROI
University of Notre Dame
IN · Private nonprofit
29
DW Score
$38K
1-yr earn
1.5x
ROI
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
VA · Public
31
DW Score
$37K
1-yr earn
4.8x
ROI
University of South Dakota
SD · Public
29
DW Score
$34K
1-yr earn
6.5x
ROI
Top score
The University of Texas at Austin
TX · Public
34
DW Score
$33K
1-yr earn
6.1x
ROI
Also at Boston University

Other top programs at Boston University

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Boston University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

Consider the trade route

Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Theater & Drama offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.

Compare Theater & Drama trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Theater & Drama at Boston University

How does Boston University's Theater & Drama program score?

This program scores 14/100 — on the lower end for Theater & Drama. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

Do Boston University Theater & Drama graduates earn enough to justify the loans?

The debt-to-income ratio of 1.2x 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 Boston University after financial aid?

Sticker price is $260,672, but the average net cost is $107,984 — a 59% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.