Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $17,962/yr fall 15% below the $21,147 national median for Theater & Drama. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
At 8.5x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.
AI risk is moderate — 37% task exposure — and the 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $27,000 debt load exceeds a year of the $17,962 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.
At #169 out of 270 programs, Central Michigan University's financial outcomes for Theater & Drama trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $17,962 to $37,001 over five years (106% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.