Theater & Dramaat University of Colorado Boulder
Graduates earn $32,142/yr in their first year — about 52.0% above the national Theater & Drama average. Base-case 10-year earnings $451K; scenarios range from $426K to $448K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Colorado Boulder
Your strong earnings potential from CU Boulder's Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft program largely stems from the program's practical focus and its location within Colorado's dynamic economy. The "Stagecraft" emphasis means you're likely developing highly transferable technical skills in areas like lighting, sound, set design, and production management. These capabilities are in demand not just in traditional theatre, but also in live event production, experiential marketing, and the burgeoning film and media industries across the Denver metro area and beyond. You'll find opportunities with regional theatres, festival organizers, and even corporate event companies. CU Boulder’s strong reputation and proximity to these employers can facilitate valuable internships and networking, pushing graduates into roles with higher earning potential than purely performance-focused degrees. To maximize your career outcome, actively cultivate these technical skills and seek out paid experiences in diverse production environments throughout your degree.
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 University of Colorado Boulder'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 University of Colorado Boulder stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Colorado Boulder
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Colorado Boulder, 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 University of Colorado Boulder
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Theater & Drama at University of Colorado Boulder?
A score of 25/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Theater & Drama. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
What makes University of Colorado Boulder's Theater & Drama program stand out?
Ranked #65 of 270 programs nationally, University of Colorado Boulder lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.