Theater & Dramaat Texas Tech University
Graduates earn $28,933/yr in their first year — about 37.0% above the national Theater & Drama average. Base-case 10-year earnings $439K; scenarios range from $417K to $435K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Texas Tech University
The strong earnings potential from Texas Tech's Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft program genuinely stands out, especially considering Lubbock isn't a major performing arts hub. This isn't just about acting; the "Stagecraft" emphasis is key, signaling a robust focus on the technical and design aspects of production—lighting, sound, set design, and technical direction. These highly transferable skills are in constant demand far beyond traditional theatre.
You'll find these graduates excel in the booming live events industry, corporate audiovisual production, theme park entertainment, film and television production support across Texas, and even museum or experiential marketing installations. The program likely cultivates strong regional industry ties, leveraging Texas's expanding economy and event infrastructure. To truly maximize your outcome, actively seek internships that span these diverse fields, from large-scale corporate events to regional film sets, ensuring your practical skills are honed for the broadest possible career paths.
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.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Texas Tech University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
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.
Peer schools offering Theater & Drama
How Texas Tech University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Texas Tech University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Texas Tech 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 →Frequently asked about Theater & Drama at Texas Tech University
How does Texas Tech University's Theater & Drama program score?
This program scores 30/100 — on the lower end for Theater & Drama. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why does Texas Tech University rank so high for Theater & Drama?
The #13 ranking out of 270 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.