Theater & Drama at Temple University

Philadelphia, PA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
18 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
18
Optimistic
18
Base Case
15
Pessimistic
Earnings $19,269/yr (-9% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 5.4x earnings multiple (3.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #209 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 Theater & Drama graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $479K $480K $450K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 5.4x 5.4x 5.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.2x 3.2x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 18 18 15

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$88,328
Out-of-state: $149,848 (3.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$116,876
-32% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,375
14.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$37,446
94% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $19,269 track close to the $21,147 national median for Theater & Drama programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

A 5.4x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 6% 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 1.2x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #209 ranking among 270 Theater & Drama programs places Temple University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $19,269-to-$37,446 earnings arc over five years reflects a 94% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Temple University

Temple University has a 83% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with 21,249 students enrolled in Philadelphia, PA.

See all programs and financial aid at Temple 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

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

What does a 18/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Theater & Drama at Temple University?
At 18/100, 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 Temple University?
At $23,375 in median debt, graduates carry 15 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →