Theater & Drama at University of Memphis

Memphis, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
19 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
19
Optimistic
19
Base Case
16
Pessimistic
Earnings $19,055/yr (-10% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 10.1x earnings multiple (7.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #197 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 $413K $419K $401K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.0x 10.1x 9.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.0x 7.1x 6.8x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 19 19 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)
$41,376
Out-of-state: $59,136 (7.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$53,012
-28% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,000
12.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$25,644
35% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $19,055/yr, Theater & Drama graduates from University of Memphis land near the $21,147 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The 10.1x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 37% task exposure — and the 3% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $19,000 debt-to-$19,055 income ratio translates to about 12 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #197 out of 270 programs, University of Memphis's financial outcomes for Theater & Drama trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $19,055 to $25,644 shows 35% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About University of Memphis

With 93% of applicants admitted, University of Memphis prioritizes broad access, enrolling 13,645 students in Memphis, TN.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Memphis →

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 Memphis

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

How does University of Memphis's Theater & Drama program score?
This program scores 19/100 — on the lower end for Theater & Drama. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →