Theater & Drama at Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, AZ · Private for-profit · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
19 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
19
Optimistic
19
Base Case
15
Pessimistic
Earnings $21,760/yr (3% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 6.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #178 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 $435K $440K $417K
Earnings Multiple 6.2x 6.3x 6.0x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 19 19 15

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$69,800
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,750
13.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$30,913
42% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $21,760/yr, Theater & Drama graduates from Grand Canyon University land near the $21,147 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

A 6.3x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 4% 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 1.1x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #178 ranking among 270 Theater & Drama programs places Grand Canyon University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 42% earnings increase from $21,760 to $30,913 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University accepts 60% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, serving a student body of 68,619 in Phoenix, AZ. With 43% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon 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 19/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Theater & Drama at Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon University?
At $23,750 in median debt, graduates carry 13 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →