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Theater & Drama at East Carolina University

Greenville, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
26 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
26
Optimistic
26
Base Case
22
Pessimistic
Earnings $21,295/yr (1% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 13.9x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #51 of 270 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs Top 25%

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 $403K $410K $393K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.7x 13.9x 13.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.3x 4.3x 4.2x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 26 26 22

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$29,444
Out-of-state: $94,552 (4.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$66,056
-124% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
15.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$24,121
13% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $21,295 track close to the $21,147 national median for Theater & Drama programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 13.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 3% 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 1.3x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

East Carolina University ranks #51 among 270 Theater & Drama programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

About East Carolina University

East Carolina University has a 90% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, enrolling 19,857 students in Greenville, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at East Carolina 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 East Carolina University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($72,051) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($69,442) Computer Science ($65,958) Engineering, General ($65,758) Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians ($63,324) Management Information Systems and Services ($61,914) Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions ($60,441) General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations ($52,684)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Theater & Drama trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 26/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Theater & Drama at East Carolina University?
At 26/100, 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 East Carolina University?
At $27,000 in median debt, graduates carry 15 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Is East Carolina University one of the best schools for Theater & Drama?
Among 270 Theater & Drama programs, East Carolina University's #51 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →