Theater & Drama at University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
25 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
26
Optimistic
25
Base Case
19
Pessimistic
Earnings $25,499/yr (21% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 11.5x earnings multiple (3.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #62 of 270 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs Top 25%

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 $446K $449K $425K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.4x 11.5x 10.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.9x 3.9x 3.7x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 26 25 19

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$38,992
Out-of-state: $115,088 (3.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$70,100
-80% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$34,120
34% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Arkansas's Theater & Drama graduates start at $25,499/yr — above the $21,147 national average, though not by a wide margin.

The 11.5x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 37% task exposure — and the 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

Ranked #62 out of 270 programs, University of Arkansas's Theater & Drama program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $25,499 to $34,120 shows 34% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About University of Arkansas

A 72% acceptance rate means University of Arkansas is accessible to most applicants, serving a student body of 27,312 in Fayetteville, AR.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Arkansas →

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

Other Majors at University of Arkansas

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 University of Arkansas's Theater & Drama program score?
This program scores 25/100 — on the lower end for Theater & Drama. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why does University of Arkansas rank so high for Theater & Drama?
The #62 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →