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Theater & Drama at University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $22,225/yr (5% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)

Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)

ROI 11.4x earnings multiple (3.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #46 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	$502K	$501K	$467K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.4x	11.4x	10.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.8x	3.8x	3.5x
Probability of Field Employment	36%	33%	27%
DegreeOutlook Score	26	26	22

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$43,856

Out-of-state: $131,708 (3.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$85,592

-95% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,277

13.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$42,847

93% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $22,225 at University of Iowa come in 5% above the national median of $21,147 for Theater & Drama programs.

With a 11.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% 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 1.1x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

University of Iowa ranks #46 among 270 Theater & Drama programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $22,225-to-$42,847 earnings arc over five years reflects a 93% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Iowa

University of Iowa accepts 85% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving a student body of 21,691 in Iowa City, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Iowa →

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 Iowa

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 26/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Theater & Drama at University of Iowa?

At 26/100, 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 Iowa?

At $25,277 in median debt, graduates carry 14 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.

Is University of Iowa one of the best schools for Theater & Drama?

Among 270 Theater & Drama programs, University of Iowa's #46 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →