Theater & Drama at Ohio State University-Main Campus

Columbus, OH · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
23 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
24
Optimistic
23
Base Case
18
Pessimistic
Earnings $23,920/yr (13% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 9.1x earnings multiple (3.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #114 of 270 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs Top 50%

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 $469K $470K $442K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.1x 9.1x 8.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.1x 3.1x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 24 23 18

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$51,436
Out-of-state: $153,460 (3.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,168
-42% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,250
11.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$38,039
59% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $23,920/yr, edging above the $21,147 national average for Theater & Drama — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

At 9.1x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 37% task exposure — and the 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $23,250 debt-to-$23,920 income ratio translates to about 12 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #114 out of 270 programs, Ohio State University-Main Campus's Theater & Drama offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth from $23,920 to $38,039 over five years (59% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Ohio State University-Main Campus

With a 51% acceptance rate, Ohio State University-Main Campus is moderately selective, serving a student body of 44,617 in Columbus, OH.

See all programs and financial aid at Ohio State University-Main Campus →

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

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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

How does Ohio State University-Main Campus's Theater & Drama program score?
This program scores 23/100 — on the lower end for Theater & Drama. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →