Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Montclair State University

Montclair, NJ · Public · Bachelor's Degree
19 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
20
Optimistic
19
Base Case
16
Pessimistic
Earnings $18,474/yr (-13% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 8.0x earnings multiple (4.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #189 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 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $471K $473K $444K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.0x 8.0x 7.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.9x 4.9x 4.6x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 20 19 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)
$59,064
Out-of-state: $96,504 (4.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$56,636
4% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
14.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$35,768
94% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $18,474/yr, Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduates from Montclair State University land near the $21,147 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 8.0x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

Some AI exposure exists in Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft's typical career paths, with 37% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 6% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $21,500 against $18,474/yr in first-year earnings means roughly 1.2 years of salary goes to loan repayment. That's a heavy but not crushing debt load.

Ranked #189 of 270 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs, Montclair State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $35,768 show a 94% jump from the $18,474 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Montclair State University

With 87% of applicants admitted, Montclair State University prioritizes broad access, enrolling 17,677 students in Montclair, NJ. With 44% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Montclair 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
View all 12 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Other Schools

Other Majors at Montclair State 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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Montclair State University?
A score of 19/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Is Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Montclair State University worth the student debt?
Median debt of $21,500 against $18,474/yr starting salary means roughly 1.2 years of earnings go to repayment. That's above average — financial aid and loan terms matter here.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →