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
26
Optimistic
26
Base Case
22
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)
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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,277
13.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,847
93% growth from Year 1
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
Compare & Explore
Theater & Drama at Other Schools
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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 →