Theater & Drama at Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
19
Optimistic
18
Base Case
16
Pessimistic
Earnings
$17,328/yr (-18% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market
Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI
7.4x earnings multiple (2.7x out-of-state)
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 | $468K | $470K | $442K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 7.3x | 7.4x | 6.9x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 2.7x | 2.7x | 2.5x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 36% | 33% | 27% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 19 | 18 | 16 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$63,952
Out-of-state: $173,488 (2.7x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,185
15.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$34,587
100% growth from Year 1
About Michigan State University
With 84% of applicants admitted, Michigan State University prioritizes broad access, one of the larger campuses at 40,243 students in East Lansing, MI.
See all programs and financial aid at Michigan State University →Top Career Paths
Producers and directors
$83,480/yr
Fashion designers
$80,690/yr
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary
$80,190/yr
Compare & Explore
Theater & Drama at Other Schools
Other Majors at Michigan State University
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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Theater & Drama at Michigan State University?
A score of 18/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Theater & Drama. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Is Theater & Drama at Michigan State University worth the student debt?
Median debt of $22,185 against $17,328/yr starting salary means roughly 1.3 years of earnings go to repayment. That's above average — financial aid and loan terms matter here.
Can you still earn well with Theater & Drama from Michigan State University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →