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Visual & Performing Arts · Theater & Drama Rank #126 of 270

Theater & Dramaat Drew University

Graduates earn $13,710/yr in their first year — about 35.0% below the national Theater & Drama average. Base-case 10-year earnings $381K; scenarios range from $370K to $372K depending on AI disruption.

Madison, NJ Private nonprofit Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
22 AT RISK
22
Optimistic
20
Pessimistic
Earnings
$13,710
1-year post-graduation
ROI
-0.2x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$381K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
Moderate
38% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Drew University

The earnings figures for Drew's Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft program suggest graduates often navigate a highly competitive initial career landscape. While Madison, NJ offers proximity to the vibrant New York City theatre scene, many roles in this field, particularly entry-level positions in stagecraft, production, or performance, are often non-union and can be low-paying as you build experience and a portfolio. Drew, as a liberal arts institution, may focus on a broad theatrical education rather than highly specialized vocational training or direct industry pipelines common in conservatories. This means you’ll likely need to actively seek out extensive internships, network aggressively within the tri-state area's numerous production companies and regional theatres, and potentially pursue union apprenticeships to advance. Be prepared for a non-linear career path where early opportunities are crucial for long-term growth.

AI Outlook Integration

Three scenarios, ten years out

Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$370K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score20/100
Earnings Multiple2.0x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$381K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score22/100
Earnings Multiple2.1x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$372K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score22/100
Earnings Multiple2.1x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Drew University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Theater & Drama graduates typically work

Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.

1
Producers and directors
+4.9% 10-yr growth · 12,800 openings/yr
$83,480/yr
Moderate
2
Fashion designers
+2.0% 10-yr growth · 2,300 openings/yr
$80,690/yr
Moderate
3
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary
+1.7% 10-yr growth · 9,000 openings/yr
$80,190/yr
Moderate
4
Writers and authors
+3.6% 10-yr growth · 13,400 openings/yr
$72,270/yr
Very High
5
Set and exhibit designers
+2.3% 10-yr growth · 2,500 openings/yr
$66,280/yr
Moderate
6
Music directors and composers
-0.3% 10-yr growth · 4,300 openings/yr
$63,670/yr
Very High
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Theater & Drama

How Drew University stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
Saint Mary's College of California
CA · Private nonprofit
31
DW Score
$38K
1-yr earn
0.7x
ROI
University of Notre Dame
IN · Private nonprofit
29
DW Score
$38K
1-yr earn
1.5x
ROI
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
VA · Public
31
DW Score
$37K
1-yr earn
4.8x
ROI
University of South Dakota
SD · Public
29
DW Score
$34K
1-yr earn
6.5x
ROI
Top score
The University of Texas at Austin
TX · Public
34
DW Score
$33K
1-yr earn
6.1x
ROI
Also at Drew University

Other top programs at Drew University

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Drew University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

Consider the trade route

Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Theater & Drama offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.

Compare Theater & Drama trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Theater & Drama at Drew University

What does a 22/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Theater & Drama at Drew University?

At 22/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Theater & Drama programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

What's the payoff timeline for a Theater & Drama degree from Drew University?

At $27,000 in median debt, graduates carry 24 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.

Is Drew University a good choice for Theater & Drama despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Drew University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.