Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at SUNY Buffalo State University

Buffalo, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
21 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
22
Optimistic
21
Base Case
18
Pessimistic
Earnings $19,608/yr (-7% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 13.0x earnings multiple (5.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #159 of 270 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $438K $442K $419K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.9x 13.0x 12.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.8x 5.8x 5.5x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 22 21 18

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$33,944
Out-of-state: $75,624 (5.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$56,916
-68% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,152
12.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$30,530
56% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $19,608/yr, Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduates from SUNY Buffalo State University land near the $21,147 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The 13.0x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 37% task exposure — and the 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $20,152 debt load exceeds a year of the $19,608 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #159 out of 270 programs, SUNY Buffalo State University's financial outcomes for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $19,608 to $30,530 over five years (56% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About SUNY Buffalo State University

With 76% of applicants admitted, SUNY Buffalo State University prioritizes broad access, serving 5,358 students in Buffalo, NY. 53% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at SUNY Buffalo 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
View all 12 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Other Schools

Other Majors at SUNY Buffalo State University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does SUNY Buffalo State University's Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft program score?
This program scores 21/100 — on the lower end for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do SUNY Buffalo State University Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.0x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →