Theater & Drama at Oberlin College

Oberlin, OH · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
22 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
22
Optimistic
22
Base Case
20
Pessimistic
Earnings $12,441/yr (-41% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 1.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #135 of 270 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs Top 50%

Program Analysis

A theatre arts degree from a distinguished liberal arts institution like Oberlin often signals a path driven by passion and artistic exploration, rather than a direct pipeline to immediate high earnings. Your experience here will be deeply immersive, focusing on performance, critical theory, and the craft of stage production within a vibrant, interdisciplinary environment. Many graduates pursue independent theatre, experimental productions, arts education, or further graduate study, careers that frequently involve non-traditional income streams or lower initial salaries. The extensive training you receive in stagecraft, however, provides valuable technical skills, opening doors to roles in regional theatre, event production, or even film and television later on. To navigate this landscape, actively seek out internships with professional companies and build a robust network while still a student. This proactive approach will be crucial for translating your artistic passion into a sustainable career.

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 $367K $376K $366K
Earnings Multiple 1.4x 1.5x 1.4x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 22 22 20

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$258,584
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$156,736
39% less than sticker · See by income

About Oberlin College

Admission to Oberlin College is competitive, with 33% of applicants accepted, with a smaller student body of 2,950 in Oberlin, OH. After financial aid, the average student pays $156,736 over four years — 39% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Oberlin College →

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 Oberlin College

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 does a 22/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Theater & Drama at Oberlin College?
At 22/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Theater & Drama programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is Oberlin College a good choice for Theater & Drama despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Oberlin College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →