Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $20,538 track close to the $21,147 national median for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 13.0x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft's typical career paths, with 37% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 4% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $15,000 represents roughly 9 months of the $20,538 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #147 of 270 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs, San Diego State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Earnings grow from $20,538 to $28,363 over five years — a 38% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.