Theater & Dramaat Carthage College
Graduates earn $28,727/yr in their first year — about 36.0% above the national Theater & Drama average. Base-case 10-year earnings $438K; scenarios range from $416K to $434K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Carthage College
Your strong earning potential in Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Carthage likely reflects the program's practical orientation and its prime location. Being situated near both Milwaukee and the vibrant Chicago theater scene offers unparalleled opportunities for internships and entry-level roles beyond traditional acting. Think technical direction, stage management, lighting and sound design, or costume fabrication for regional theaters, touring productions, or even corporate event companies. These specialized stagecraft skills are highly valued and often command better compensation than purely performance-focused paths. Carthage's connections in these major markets, combined with a focus on tangible production skills, can help you transition into well-paying roles quickly. Focus on developing a diverse technical skillset and actively pursuing internships in larger cities to build your professional network.
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.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Carthage College's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
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.
Peer schools offering Theater & Drama
How Carthage College stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Carthage College
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Carthage College, 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 →Frequently asked about Theater & Drama at Carthage College
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Theater & Drama at Carthage College?
A score of 25/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Theater & Drama. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.