Theater & Dramaat Saint Mary's College of California
Graduates earn $38,160/yr in their first year — about 80.0% above the national Theater & Drama average. Base-case 10-year earnings $474K; scenarios range from $445K to $473K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Saint Mary's College of California
Your exploration of Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Saint Mary's College places you in a unique and advantageous position, primarily due to its prime location within the dynamic San Francisco Bay Area. This isn't just about performance; the program's "Stagecraft" emphasis means you're developing highly practical skills in technical theatre, design, and production management. These capabilities are in high demand across the region's robust arts ecosystem, encompassing not only traditional theatres but also film production, event management, and even tech companies seeking creative talent.
Being a private institution, you'll likely benefit from smaller class sizes, dedicated faculty mentorship, and strong alumni connections that can open doors to internships and early career opportunities. These factors contribute significantly to graduates securing roles as producers, designers, educators, and writers within a competitive, yet opportunity-rich, market that generally commands higher salaries across all sectors. To maximize your potential, actively seek out internships with local theatre companies or production houses throughout your degree; hands-on experience and networking are paramount here.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Saint Mary's College of California's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Theater & Drama
How Saint Mary's College of California stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Saint Mary's College of California
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Saint Mary's College of California, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Theater & Drama offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Theater & Drama trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Theater & Drama at Saint Mary's College of California
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.