Theater & Drama at Georgia Southern University

Statesboro, GA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
19 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
20
Optimistic
19
Base Case
17
Pessimistic
Earnings $16,586/yr (-22% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 16.9x earnings multiple (5.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #181 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 $392K $399K $384K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 16.6x 16.9x 16.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.8x 5.9x 5.7x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 20 19 17

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$23,620
Out-of-state: $67,836 (5.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$66,124
-180% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,875
19.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$20,376
23% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Georgia Southern University's Theater & Drama graduates start at $16,586/yr, trailing the $21,147 national average by 22%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 16.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 2% 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 1.6x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #181 ranking among 270 Theater & Drama programs places Georgia Southern University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 23% earnings increase from $16,586 to $20,376 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Georgia Southern University

A 90% acceptance rate means Georgia Southern University is accessible to most applicants, one of the larger campuses at 21,029 students in Statesboro, GA.

See all programs and financial aid at Georgia Southern 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

Theater & Drama at Other Schools

Other Majors at Georgia Southern University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

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 19/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Theater & Drama at Georgia Southern University?
At 19/100, 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 Georgia Southern University?
At $26,875 in median debt, graduates carry 19 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Is Georgia Southern University a good choice for Theater & Drama despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Georgia Southern University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →