Theater & Drama at Otterbein University

Westerville, OH · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
13 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
13
Optimistic
13
Base Case
11
Pessimistic
Earnings $12,546/yr (-41% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 3.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #257 of 270 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs

Program Analysis

A drama/theatre degree, especially with a stagecraft focus, often means a highly competitive and passion-driven career path. While Otterbein's program is well-regarded regionally, the initial earnings reflect the realities of the performing arts industry outside major production hubs. Many graduates begin their careers in regional theaters, educational settings, or event production companies, where entry-level pay can be modest as you build your portfolio and network. Success in fields like producing or directing often takes years of experience and relationship-building. It's common for theatre professionals to wear many hats, blending technical skills with administrative roles. To thrive, you'll need to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset, relentlessly network, and consider how your versatile skills in production, design, and management can translate into diverse opportunities beyond traditional theatre, perhaps in corporate events or digital media.

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 $524K $521K $483K
Earnings Multiple 3.8x 3.7x 3.5x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 13 13 11

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$139,596
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$88,560
37% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,822
25.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$37,633
200% growth from Year 1

About Otterbein University

Otterbein University accepts 83% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a smaller student body of 2,055 in Westerville, OH. After financial aid, the average student pays $88,560 over four years — 37% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Otterbein 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 Otterbein University

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 13/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Theater & Drama at Otterbein University?
At 13/100, 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 Otterbein University?
At $26,822 in median debt, graduates carry 26 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Is Otterbein University a good choice for Theater & Drama despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Otterbein University'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 →