Theater & Drama at University of California-Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
21
Optimistic
21
Base Case
17
Pessimistic
Earnings
$21,638/yr (2% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market
Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI
7.9x earnings multiple (2.5x out-of-state)
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 | $460K | $462K | $435K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 7.9x | 7.9x | 7.5x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 2.5x | 2.5x | 2.4x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 36% | 33% | 27% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 21 | 21 | 17 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$58,240
Out-of-state: $181,348 (2.5x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
10.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$35,394
64% growth from Year 1
About University of California-Santa Cruz
University of California-Santa Cruz accepts 63% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 17,812 in Santa Cruz, CA.
See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Santa Cruz →Top Career Paths
Producers and directors
$83,480/yr
Fashion designers
$80,690/yr
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary
$80,190/yr
Compare & Explore
Theater & Drama at Other Schools
Other Majors at University of California-Santa Cruz
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 does a 21/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Theater & Drama at University of California-Santa Cruz?
At 21/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Theater & Drama programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →