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Theater & Drama at University of Maryland-Baltimore County

Baltimore, MD · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
20 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
21
Optimistic
20
Base Case
18
Pessimistic
Earnings $17,381/yr (-18% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 7.6x earnings multiple (3.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #167 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 $387K $395K $381K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 7.5x 7.6x 7.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.2x 3.3x 3.1x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 21 20 18

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$51,808
Out-of-state: $121,232 (3.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,312
-42% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,500
12.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $17,381/yr fall 18% below the $21,147 national median for Theater & Drama. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

A 7.6x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 2% 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 1.0x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #167 ranking among 270 Theater & Drama programs places University of Maryland-Baltimore County in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About University of Maryland-Baltimore County

University of Maryland-Baltimore County has a 74% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 10,434 in Baltimore, MD.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Maryland-Baltimore County →

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 Maryland-Baltimore County

Computer Engineering ($86,444) Computer Science ($83,684) Mechanical Engineering ($71,519) Chemical Engineering ($66,023) Information Science/Studies ($63,334) Economics ($54,859) Mathematics ($54,362) International/Global Studies ($49,115)

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 20/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Theater & Drama at University of Maryland-Baltimore County?
At 20/100, 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 Maryland-Baltimore County?
At $17,500 in median debt, graduates carry 12 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Is University of Maryland-Baltimore County a good choice for Theater & Drama despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of Maryland-Baltimore County'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 →