Program Analysis
Graduates earn $18,769/yr, roughly in line with the $21,147 national median for Theater & Drama. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
The 18.8x 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 $25,000 debt load exceeds a year of the $18,769 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.
Ranked #78 out of 270 programs, Columbus State University's Theater & Drama offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
Earnings growth from $18,769 to $28,203 over five years (50% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.