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Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at DePaul University

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
15 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
16
Optimistic
15
Base Case
11
Pessimistic
Earnings $22,021/yr (4% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 2.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #234 of 270 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $449K $453K $427K
Earnings Multiple 2.5x 2.5x 2.4x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 16 15 11

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$177,840
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$116,564
34% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,348
14.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$33,700
53% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $22,021 track close to the $21,147 national median for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

At 2.5x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.2x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #234 ranking among 270 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs places DePaul University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $22,021-to-$33,700 earnings arc over five years reflects a 53% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About DePaul University

DePaul University has a 74% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 14,283 students in Chicago, IL. The average net cost of $116,564 over four years represents a 34% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at DePaul 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

Compare this program → View all 270 schools offering Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft →

Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Other Schools

Saint Mary's College of California ($38,160) University of Notre Dame ($37,531) Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University ($36,557) University of South Dakota ($33,852) The University of Texas at Austin ($33,261) Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania ($33,169) Carnegie Mellon University ($32,967) University of Colorado Boulder ($32,142)

Other Majors at DePaul University

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($84,066) Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management ($79,863) Computer Programming ($72,234) Accounting and Related Services ($69,250) Management Information Systems and Services ($68,769) Finance and Financial Management Services ($66,863) Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications ($61,482) Information Science/Studies ($60,468)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 15/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at DePaul University?
At 15/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft degree from DePaul University?
At $26,348 in median debt, graduates carry 14 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →