Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $22,021 track close to the $21,147 national median for Theater & Drama 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 Theater & Drama 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 Theater & Drama 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.