Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $22,673 at California Institute of the Arts come in 7% above the national median of $21,147 for Theater & Drama programs.
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 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $27,000 debt load exceeds a year of the $22,673 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.
At #231 out of 270 programs, California Institute of the Arts's financial outcomes for Theater & Drama trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $22,673 to $35,299 over five years (56% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.