Theater & Drama at The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
34 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
34
Optimistic
34
Base Case
25
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,261/yr (57% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 9.8x earnings multiple (2.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #3 of 270 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs Top 1%

Program Analysis

The exceptional outcomes for UT Austin's Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft program are deeply tied to its strong reputation and Austin's dynamic cultural landscape. This isn't merely an acting program; it’s a comprehensive training ground for the multifaceted world of production, design, and management. Your success stems from the technical rigor of stagecraft, combined with a robust network in a city buzzing with theatre companies, film productions, music festivals like SXSW, and corporate event needs. Graduates often find roles in event production, costume design, lighting, sound, and even within Austin's burgeoning tech scene, leveraging creative problem-solving skills for experiential marketing or content creation. To maximize your potential, actively seek internships and networking opportunities within Austin's vibrant arts and entertainment ecosystem from day one.

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 $453K $456K $430K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.7x 9.8x 9.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.6x 2.7x 2.5x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 34 34 25

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$46,712
Out-of-state: $171,112 (2.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$78,712
-69% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,711
9.3 months of Year 1 earnings

About The University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin accepts 29% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, with 42,100 students enrolled in Austin, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at The University of Texas at Austin →

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

Compare Theater & Drama

Other Majors at The University of Texas at Austin

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Theater & Drama at The University of Texas at Austin?
A score of 34/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Theater & Drama. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
What makes The University of Texas at Austin's Theater & Drama program stand out?
Ranked #3 of 270 programs nationally, The University of Texas at Austin lands in the top 1%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →