Home › University of Illinois Chicago › Theater & Drama

Theater & Drama at University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
18 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
18
Optimistic
18
Base Case
16
Pessimistic
Earnings $14,938/yr (-29% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 8.2x earnings multiple (4.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #204 of 270 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs

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 $470K $471K $443K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.2x 8.2x 7.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.0x 4.0x 3.8x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 18 18 16

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$57,352
Out-of-state: $117,440 (4.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$49,252
14% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,342
16.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$33,133
122% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Illinois Chicago's Theater & Drama graduates start at $14,938/yr, trailing the $21,147 national average by 29%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

A 8.2x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 6% 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 1.4x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #204 ranking among 270 Theater & Drama programs places University of Illinois Chicago in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $14,938-to-$33,133 earnings arc over five years reflects a 122% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Illinois Chicago

A 78% acceptance rate means University of Illinois Chicago is accessible to most applicants, with 21,814 students enrolled in Chicago, IL. With 50% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Illinois Chicago →

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

Compare this program → View all 270 schools offering Theater & Drama →

Theater & Drama at Other Schools

Saint Mary's College of California ($38,160) University of Notre Dame ($37,531) Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University ($36,557) University of South Dakota ($33,852) The University of Texas at Austin ($33,261) Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania ($33,169) Carnegie Mellon University ($32,967) University of Colorado Boulder ($32,142)

Other Majors at University of Illinois Chicago

Computer Science ($78,040) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($75,045) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($72,926) Computer Engineering ($71,148) Mechanical Engineering ($69,871) Civil Engineering ($69,310) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($65,781) Accounting and Related Services ($65,680)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Theater & Drama trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 18/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Theater & Drama at University of Illinois Chicago?
At 18/100, 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 Illinois Chicago?
At $20,342 in median debt, graduates carry 16 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Is University of Illinois Chicago a good choice for Theater & Drama despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of Illinois Chicago's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →