Theater & Drama at New York University

New York, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
14 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
15
Optimistic
14
Base Case
10
Pessimistic
Earnings $20,916/yr (-1% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 1.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #246 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 $441K $444K $421K
Earnings Multiple 1.8x 1.8x 1.7x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 15 14 10

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$241,752
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$140,140
42% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,411
12.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$31,599
51% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $20,916/yr, roughly in line with the $21,147 national median for Theater & Drama. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

At 1.8x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

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 1.0x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #246 ranking among 270 Theater & Drama programs places New York University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $20,916-to-$31,599 earnings arc over five years reflects a 51% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About New York University

New York University's 9% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, with 29,430 students enrolled in New York, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $140,140 over four years — 42% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at New York 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 New York 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 does a 14/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Theater & Drama at New York University?
At 14/100, 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 New York University?
At $21,411 in median debt, graduates carry 12 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 →