Theater & Drama at University of New Mexico-Main Campus
Albuquerque, NM · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
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)
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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,750
13.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$28,412
58% growth from Year 1
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
Compare & Explore
Theater & Drama at Other Schools
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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 →