Program Analysis
Oakland University's Theater & Drama graduates start at $15,579/yr, trailing the $21,147 national average by 26%. The program's value hinges on affordability.
The earnings-to-cost ratio of 7.8x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.
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 $26,678 against $15,579/yr in first-year earnings means roughly 1.7 years of salary goes to loan repayment. That's a heavy but not crushing debt load.
Ranked #216 of 270 Theater & Drama programs, Oakland University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $31,830 show a 104% jump from the $15,579 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.