Theater & Drama at Indiana University-Bloomington

Bloomington, IN · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
21 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
22
Optimistic
21
Base Case
18
Pessimistic
Earnings $20,815/yr (-2% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 9.9x earnings multiple (2.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #151 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 $464K $466K $438K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.8x 9.9x 9.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.9x 2.9x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 22 21 18

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$47,160
Out-of-state: $161,928 (2.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$61,368
-30% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,988
12.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$35,778
72% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $20,815/yr, roughly in line with the $21,147 national median for Theater & Drama. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

A 9.9x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 6% 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 #151 ranking among 270 Theater & Drama programs places Indiana University-Bloomington in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $20,815-to-$35,778 earnings arc over five years reflects a 72% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Indiana University-Bloomington

Indiana University-Bloomington accepts 80% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with 36,571 students enrolled in Bloomington, IN.

See all programs and financial aid at Indiana University-Bloomington →

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 Indiana University-Bloomington

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 21/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Theater & Drama at Indiana University-Bloomington?
At 21/100, 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 Indiana University-Bloomington?
At $21,988 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 →