Theater & Drama at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

Denver, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
29 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
30
Optimistic
29
Base Case
26
Pessimistic
Earnings $19,966/yr (-6% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 13.6x earnings multiple (4.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #17 of 270 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs Top 10%

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 $549K $545K $502K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.7x 13.6x 12.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.9x 4.8x 4.5x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 30 29 26

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$40,068
Out-of-state: $112,836 (4.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$76,532
-91% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,250
14.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,103
141% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $19,966 track close to the $21,147 national median for Theater & Drama programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 13.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Theater & Drama career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.2x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

At #17 of 270 programs, this Theater & Drama program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The $19,966-to-$48,103 earnings arc over five years reflects a 141% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus has a 78% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, enrolling 10,686 students in Denver, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus →

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 Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

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

What does a 29/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Theater & Drama at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus?
At 29/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Theater & Drama programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Theater & Drama degree from University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus?
At $24,250 in median debt, graduates carry 15 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →