Theater & Drama at San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
25
Optimistic
25
Base Case
20
Pessimistic
Earnings
$23,004/yr (9% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market
Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI
14.8x earnings multiple (5.7x 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 | $435K | $439K | $417K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 14.6x | 14.8x | 14.0x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 5.6x | 5.7x | 5.4x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 36% | 33% | 27% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 25 | 25 | 20 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$29,696
Out-of-state: $77,216 (5.7x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,940
9.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$31,222
36% growth from Year 1
About San Francisco State University
A 96% acceptance rate means San Francisco State University is accessible to most applicants, one of the larger campuses at 20,033 students in San Francisco, CA. 41% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.
See all programs and financial aid at San Francisco 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 San Francisco State University
Explore the Trade Alternative
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
How does San Francisco State University's Theater & Drama program score?
This program scores 25/100 — on the lower end for Theater & Drama. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why does San Francisco State University rank so high for Theater & Drama?
The #64 ranking out of 270 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →