Theater & Drama at Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
20
Optimistic
20
Base Case
17
Pessimistic
Earnings
$17,962/yr (-15% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market
Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI
8.5x earnings multiple
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 | $482K | $482K | $451K |
| Earnings Multiple | 8.5x | 8.5x | 8.0x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 36% | 33% | 27% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 20 | 20 | 17 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$56,760
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
18.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$37,001
106% growth from Year 1
About Central Michigan University
Central Michigan University has a 91% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 9,916 in Mount Pleasant, MI.
See all programs and financial aid at Central Michigan University →Top Career Paths
Producers and directors
$83,480/yr
Fashion designers
$80,690/yr
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary
$80,190/yr
Compare & Explore
Theater & Drama at Other Schools
Other Majors at Central Michigan University
Explore the Trade Alternative
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
How does Central Michigan University's Theater & Drama program score?
This program scores 20/100 — on the lower end for Theater & Drama. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Central Michigan University Theater & Drama graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.5x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
Why are Theater & Drama earnings lower at Central Michigan University?
Lower starting pay at Central Michigan University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →