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Theater & Drama at Drake University

Des Moines, IA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
14 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
14
Optimistic
14
Base Case
10
Pessimistic
Earnings $19,613/yr (-7% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 2.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #242 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 Theater & Drama graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $470K $472K $443K
Earnings Multiple 2.4x 2.4x 2.2x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 14 14 10

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$199,776
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$120,168
40% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$36,216
85% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $19,613/yr, Theater & Drama graduates from Drake University land near the $21,147 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

At 2.4x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Theater & Drama career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

A #242 ranking among 270 Theater & Drama programs places Drake University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $19,613-to-$36,216 earnings arc over five years reflects a 85% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Drake University

Drake University accepts 64% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, a compact campus enrolling 2,669 students in Des Moines, IA. The average net cost of $120,168 over four years represents a 40% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Drake 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 Theater & Drama →

Theater & Drama 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 Drake University

Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($80,044) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($69,835) Accounting and Related Services ($65,922) Finance and Financial Management Services ($62,049) Marketing ($51,968) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($47,806) Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication ($44,492) Journalism ($41,913)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Theater & Drama 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 14/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Theater & Drama at Drake University?
At 14/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Theater & Drama programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →