Theater & Drama at Portland State University
Portland, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
28
Optimistic
27
Base Case
22
Pessimistic
Earnings
$25,352/yr (20% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market
Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI
10.9x earnings multiple (4.1x out-of-state)
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 | $489K | $490K | $457K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 10.9x | 10.9x | 10.2x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.1x | 4.1x | 3.8x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 36% | 33% | 27% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 28 | 27 | 22 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,952
Out-of-state: $120,552 (4.1x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$29,399
13.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,373
67% growth from Year 1
About Portland State University
Portland State University accepts 91% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 13,619 in Portland, OR.
See all programs and financial aid at Portland State University →Top Career Paths
Producers and directors
$83,480/yr
Fashion designers
$80,690/yr
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary
$80,190/yr
Compare & Explore
Theater & Drama at Other Schools
Other Majors at Portland State University
Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?
For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 27/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Theater & Drama at Portland State University?
At 27/100, 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 Portland State University?
At $29,399 in median debt, graduates carry 14 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Is Portland State University one of the best schools for Theater & Drama?
Among 270 Theater & Drama programs, Portland State University's #38 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →