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Visual & Performing Arts · Theater & Drama Rank #4 of 270

Theater & Dramaat Stephen F Austin State University

Graduates earn $29,945/yr in their first year — about 42.0% above the national Theater & Drama average. Base-case 10-year earnings $485K; scenarios range from $454K to $485K depending on AI disruption.

Nacogdoches, TX Public Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
32 AT RISK
32
Optimistic
24
Pessimistic
Earnings
$29,945
1-year post-graduation
ROI
9.2x
Earnings : in-state tuition
10-yr Base
$485K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
Moderate
38% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Stephen F Austin State University

The strength of Stephen F. Austin State's Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft program truly shines through its practical, hands-on approach. This isn't just about theory; it's likely a program deeply embedded in experiential learning, equipping you with tangible skills beyond performance, such as technical production, design, and stage management. These versatile abilities are highly valued across various sectors, not just traditional theatre.

Graduates often find success leveraging these skills in the broader entertainment industry, live events, film production, or even corporate media, especially in growing markets like Texas's major cities. The program's reputation for producing well-rounded, job-ready professionals means employers actively seek out its alumni. Your actionable takeaway: prioritize internships and collaborative projects during your studies to build a portfolio demonstrating your technical proficiency and creative problem-solving.

AI Outlook Integration

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.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$454K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score24/100
Earnings Multiple10.7x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$485K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score32/100
Earnings Multiple11.4x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$485K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score32/100
Earnings Multiple11.4x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Stephen F Austin State University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Theater & Drama graduates typically work

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.

1
Producers and directors
+4.9% 10-yr growth · 12,800 openings/yr
$83,480/yr
Moderate
2
Fashion designers
+2.0% 10-yr growth · 2,300 openings/yr
$80,690/yr
Moderate
3
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary
+1.7% 10-yr growth · 9,000 openings/yr
$80,190/yr
Moderate
4
Writers and authors
+3.6% 10-yr growth · 13,400 openings/yr
$72,270/yr
Very High
5
Set and exhibit designers
+2.3% 10-yr growth · 2,500 openings/yr
$66,280/yr
Moderate
6
Music directors and composers
-0.3% 10-yr growth · 4,300 openings/yr
$63,670/yr
Very High
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Theater & Drama

How Stephen F Austin State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
Saint Mary's College of California
CA · Private nonprofit
31
DW Score
$38K
1-yr earn
0.7x
ROI
University of Notre Dame
IN · Private nonprofit
29
DW Score
$38K
1-yr earn
1.5x
ROI
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
VA · Public
31
DW Score
$37K
1-yr earn
4.8x
ROI
University of South Dakota
SD · Public
29
DW Score
$34K
1-yr earn
6.5x
ROI
Top score
The University of Texas at Austin
TX · Public
34
DW Score
$33K
1-yr earn
6.1x
ROI
Also at Stephen F Austin State University

Other top programs at Stephen F Austin State University

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Stephen F Austin State University, 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 →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Theater & Drama at Stephen F Austin State University

What does a 32/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Theater & Drama at Stephen F Austin State University?

At 32/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Theater & Drama programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Is Stephen F Austin State University one of the best schools for Theater & Drama?

Among 270 Theater & Drama programs, Stephen F Austin State University's #4 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.