Theater & Drama at Central Washington University

Ellensburg, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
24 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
25
Optimistic
24
Base Case
19
Pessimistic
Earnings $24,674/yr (17% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 12.1x earnings multiple (4.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #94 of 270 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs Top 50%

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 $441K $445K $421K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.0x 12.1x 11.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.1x 4.2x 3.9x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 25 24 19

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$36,768
Out-of-state: $107,084 (4.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$58,860
-60% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,500
11.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$32,946
34% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $24,674 at Central Washington University come in 17% above the national median of $21,147 for Theater & Drama programs.

The 12.1x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 37% task exposure — and the 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $24,500 debt-to-$24,674 income ratio translates to about 12 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #94 out of 270 programs, Central Washington University's Theater & Drama offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $24,674 to $32,946 shows 34% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Central Washington University

Central Washington University accepts 90% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 8,081 students in Ellensburg, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at Central Washington 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

Theater & Drama at Other Schools

Other Majors at Central Washington University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Central Washington University's Theater & Drama program score?
This program scores 24/100 — on the lower end for Theater & Drama. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →