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Theater & Drama at Skidmore College

Saratoga Springs, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
22 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
23
Optimistic
22
Base Case
20
Pessimistic
Earnings $16,417/yr (-22% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 1.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #127 of 270 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs Top 50%

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 $383K $391K $378K
Earnings Multiple 1.5x 1.5x 1.5x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 23 22 20

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$260,120
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$138,324
47% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $16,417/yr fall 22% below the $21,147 national median for Theater & Drama. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The financial case is thin at 1.5x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

Some AI exposure exists in Theater & Drama's typical career paths, with 37% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 1% gap from the optimistic case.

At #127 of 270 Theater & Drama programs, Skidmore College scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

About Skidmore College

Skidmore College admits 23% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, a smaller institution with 2,760 students in Saratoga Springs, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $138,324 over four years — 47% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Skidmore College →

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

Saint Mary's College of California ($38,160) 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)

Other Majors at Skidmore College

Business/Commerce, General ($54,378) Political Science and Government ($42,756) Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics ($40,204) Biology, General ($39,235) Sociology ($35,128) Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences ($30,632) Fine and Studio Arts ($30,480) Psychology, General ($29,107)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Theater & Drama trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Theater & Drama at Skidmore College?
A score of 22/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Theater & Drama. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Can you still earn well with Theater & Drama from Skidmore College?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →