Theater & Drama at SUNY Buffalo State University
Buffalo, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
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)
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 | $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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,152
12.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$30,530
56% growth from Year 1
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
Compare & Explore
Theater & Drama at Other Schools
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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 Theater & Drama program score?
This program scores 21/100 — on the lower end for Theater & Drama. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do SUNY Buffalo State University Theater & Drama 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 →