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Theater & Drama at Elon University

Elon, NC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
17 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
18
Optimistic
17
Base Case
12
Pessimistic
Earnings $24,345/yr (15% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 2.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #219 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 $498K $497K $463K
Earnings Multiple 2.8x 2.8x 2.6x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 18 17 12

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$178,144
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$164,192
8% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,297
78% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $24,345 at Elon University come in 15% above the national median of $21,147 for Theater & Drama programs.

At 2.8x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Theater & Drama career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

A #219 ranking among 270 Theater & Drama programs places Elon University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $24,345-to-$43,297 earnings arc over five years reflects a 78% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Elon University

A 67% admission rate makes Elon University accessible to a wide range of qualified students, serving 6,402 students in Elon, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at Elon 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 Elon University

Computer Programming ($79,819) Accounting and Related Services ($69,764) Economics ($69,298) Finance and Financial Management Services ($66,614) Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations ($62,626) Marketing ($55,893) Communication and Media Studies ($48,637) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($47,095)

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 17/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Theater & Drama at Elon University?
At 17/100, 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 →