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Theater & Drama at Ouachita Baptist University

Arkadelphia, AR · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
18 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
19
Optimistic
18
Base Case
15
Pessimistic
Earnings $18,350/yr (-13% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 3.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #201 of 270 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs

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 $391K $399K $384K
Earnings Multiple 3.0x 3.1x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 19 18 15

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$129,920
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$89,420
31% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
17.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Ouachita Baptist University's Theater & Drama program produces graduates earning $18,350/yr — within striking distance of the $21,147 national average for this field.

The 3.1x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 37% task exposure — and the 2% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $26,000 debt load exceeds a year of the $18,350 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #201 out of 270 programs, Ouachita Baptist University's financial outcomes for Theater & Drama trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Ouachita Baptist University

Ouachita Baptist University's 69% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, with a smaller student body of 1,612 in Arkadelphia, AR. After financial aid, the average student pays $89,420 over four years — 31% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Ouachita Baptist 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

Compare this program → View all 270 schools offering Theater & Drama →

Theater & Drama at Other Schools

Saint Mary's College of California ($38,160) University of Notre Dame ($37,531) Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University ($36,557) University of South Dakota ($33,852) The University of Texas at Austin ($33,261) Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania ($33,169) Carnegie Mellon University ($32,967) University of Colorado Boulder ($32,142)

Other Majors at Ouachita Baptist University

Finance and Financial Management Services ($53,195) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($41,595) Communication and Media Studies ($34,574) Health and Physical Education/Fitness ($31,385)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Theater & Drama trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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

How does Ouachita Baptist University's Theater & Drama program score?
This program scores 18/100 — on the lower end for Theater & Drama. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Ouachita Baptist University Theater & Drama graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.4x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →