Theater & Drama at Lindenwood University

Saint Charles, MO · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
21 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
22
Optimistic
21
Base Case
16
Pessimistic
Earnings $25,083/yr (19% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 5.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #157 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 $463K $466K $438K
Earnings Multiple 5.5x 5.5x 5.2x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 22 21 16

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$84,400
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$74,064
12% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
12.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$37,528
50% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Lindenwood University's Theater & Drama graduates start at $25,083/yr — above the $21,147 national average, though not by a wide margin.

At 5.5x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 37% task exposure — and the 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt load exceeds a year of the $25,083 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #157 out of 270 programs, Lindenwood University's financial outcomes for Theater & Drama trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $25,083 to $37,528 shows 50% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Lindenwood University

Lindenwood University's 66% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, a compact campus enrolling 4,748 students in Saint Charles, MO.

See all programs and financial aid at Lindenwood 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 Lindenwood 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

How does Lindenwood University's Theater & Drama program score?
This program scores 21/100 — on the lower end for Theater & Drama. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Lindenwood University Theater & Drama graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.1x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →