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Theater & Drama at Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
22 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
22
Optimistic
22
Base Case
13
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,967/yr (56% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 1.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #137 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 $451K $455K $429K
Earnings Multiple 1.8x 1.8x 1.7x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 22 22 13
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$255,316
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$126,684
50% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
9.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$26,137
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

Program Analysis

Graduates of Carnegie Mellon University's Theater & Drama program earn $32,967/yr in their first year — 56% above the $21,147 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

At 1.8x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Theater & Drama career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $25,000 against $32,967/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #137 ranking among 270 Theater & Drama programs places Carnegie Mellon University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University admits 11% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, serving 7,187 students in Pittsburgh, PA. The average net cost of $126,684 over four years represents a 50% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Carnegie Mellon University →

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) University of Colorado Boulder ($32,142) Stephen F Austin State University ($29,945)

Other Majors at Carnegie Mellon University

Computer Science ($171,264) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($139,337) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($95,891) Systems Science and Theory ($95,598) Statistics ($93,111) Economics ($86,284) Mechanical Engineering ($76,523) Design and Applied Arts ($66,274)

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

What does a 22/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Theater & Drama at Carnegie Mellon University?
At 22/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Theater & Drama programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What do students actually pay for Theater & Drama at Carnegie Mellon University?
The 50% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $255,316. At a net cost of $126,684, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →