Theater & Drama at University of New Mexico-Main Campus

Albuquerque, NM · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
20 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
21
Optimistic
20
Base Case
17
Pessimistic
Earnings $17,964/yr (-15% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 13.4x earnings multiple (4.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #171 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 $430K $434K $413K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.2x 13.4x 12.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.1x 4.1x 3.9x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 21 20 17

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$32,460
Out-of-state: $105,800 (4.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$69,912
-115% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,750
13.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$28,412
58% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of New Mexico-Main Campus's Theater & Drama graduates start at $17,964/yr, trailing the $21,147 national average by 15%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

The 13.4x 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 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $20,750 debt load exceeds a year of the $17,964 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #171 out of 270 programs, University of New Mexico-Main Campus's financial outcomes for Theater & Drama trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $17,964 to $28,412 over five years (58% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About University of New Mexico-Main Campus

A 95% acceptance rate means University of New Mexico-Main Campus is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 16,686 in Albuquerque, NM.

See all programs and financial aid at University of New Mexico-Main Campus →

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 New Mexico-Main Campus

Explore the Trade Alternative

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

How does University of New Mexico-Main Campus's Theater & Drama program score?
This program scores 20/100 — on the lower end for Theater & Drama. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do University of New Mexico-Main Campus Theater & Drama graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.2x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
Why are Theater & Drama earnings lower at University of New Mexico-Main Campus?
Lower starting pay at University of New Mexico-Main Campus may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →