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Theater & Drama at Susquehanna University

Selinsgrove, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
24 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
25
Optimistic
24
Base Case
20
Pessimistic
Earnings $20,259/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 1.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #89 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 $399K $406K $390K
Earnings Multiple 1.7x 1.8x 1.7x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 25 24 20

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$229,600
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$106,156
54% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
16.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $20,259/yr, Theater & Drama graduates from Susquehanna University land near the $21,147 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

At 1.8x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 2% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Theater & Drama career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.3x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #89 ranking among 270 Theater & Drama programs places Susquehanna University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

About Susquehanna University

With 79% of applicants admitted, Susquehanna University prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 2,120 students in Selinsgrove, PA. The average net cost of $106,156 over four years represents a 54% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Susquehanna 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

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 Susquehanna University

Accounting and Related Services ($65,209) Finance and Financial Management Services ($57,855) Marketing ($52,085) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($51,350) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($47,220) Political Science and Government ($46,266) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($44,685) Design and Applied Arts ($42,510)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Theater & Drama trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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

What does a 24/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Theater & Drama at Susquehanna University?
At 24/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Theater & Drama programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Theater & Drama degree from Susquehanna University?
At $27,000 in median debt, graduates carry 16 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
What do students actually pay for Theater & Drama at Susquehanna University?
The 54% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $229,600. At a net cost of $106,156, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →