Theater & Drama at East Carolina University
Greenville, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
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)
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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
15.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$24,121
13% growth from Year 1
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
Compare & Explore
Theater & Drama at Other Schools
Other Majors at East Carolina University
Consider the Trade Route?
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 →