Theater & Drama at Shenandoah University
Winchester, VA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
14
Optimistic
13
Base Case
10
Pessimistic
Earnings
$17,818/yr (-16% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market
Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI
3.1x earnings multiple
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 | $436K | $440K | $417K |
| Earnings Multiple | 3.0x | 3.1x | 2.9x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 36% | 33% | 27% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 14 | 13 | 10 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$144,112
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
18.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$29,435
65% growth from Year 1
About Shenandoah University
Shenandoah University has a 78% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a compact campus enrolling 2,127 students in Winchester, VA.
See all programs and financial aid at Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah University's Theater & Drama program score?
This program scores 13/100 — on the lower end for Theater & Drama. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Shenandoah University Theater & Drama graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.5x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
Why are Theater & Drama earnings lower at Shenandoah University?
Lower starting pay at Shenandoah University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →