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Theater & Drama at Saint Mary's College of California

Moraga, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
31
Optimistic
31
Base Case
22
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,160/yr (80% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 2.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #6 of 270 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs Top 5%

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 $473K $474K $445K
Earnings Multiple 2.1x 2.1x 2.0x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 31 31 22

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$224,536
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$124,792
44% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
8.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $38,160 per year, Theater & Drama graduates from Saint Mary's College of California significantly outpace the $21,147 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

At 2.1x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Theater & Drama career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $27,000 against $38,160/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Saint Mary's College of California ranks #6 among 270 Theater & Drama programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

About Saint Mary's College of California

With 89% of applicants admitted, Saint Mary's College of California prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 2,024 students in Moraga, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $124,792 over four years — 44% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Saint Mary's College of California →

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

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) Stephen F Austin State University ($29,945)

Other Majors at Saint Mary's College of California

Accounting and Related Services ($66,628) Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($56,094) Business/Commerce, General ($46,958) Political Science and Government ($45,296) Communication and Media Studies ($35,356) Health and Physical Education/Fitness ($34,444) Psychology, General ($28,018)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Theater & Drama trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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

What does a 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Theater & Drama at Saint Mary's College of California?
At 31/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Theater & Drama programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is Saint Mary's College of California one of the best schools for Theater & Drama?
Among 270 Theater & Drama programs, Saint Mary's College of California's #6 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 →