Program Analysis
Graduates earn $20,416/yr, roughly in line with the $21,147 national median for Theater & Drama. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
The financial case is thin at 2.6x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.
Some AI exposure exists in Theater & Drama's typical career paths, with 37% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 5% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $19,500 represents roughly 11 months of the $20,416 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #239 of 270 Theater & Drama programs, North Central College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $34,084 show a 67% jump from the $20,416 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.