Theater & Drama at University of North Carolina School of the Arts
Winston Salem, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
23
Optimistic
22
Base Case
18
Pessimistic
Earnings
$21,229/yr (0% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market
Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI
11.8x 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 | $445K | $449K | $424K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 11.7x | 11.8x | 11.2x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.1x | 4.1x | 3.9x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 36% | 33% | 27% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 23 | 22 | 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)
$37,908
Out-of-state: $108,844 (4.1x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,500
13.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$32,642
54% growth from Year 1
About University of North Carolina School of the Arts
A 33% acceptance rate puts University of North Carolina School of the Arts in competitive admissions territory, a smaller institution with 902 students in Winston Salem, NC.
See all programs and financial aid at University of North Carolina School of the Arts →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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Consider the Trade Route?
Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does University of North Carolina School of the Arts's Theater & Drama program score?
This program scores 22/100 — on the lower end for Theater & Drama. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do University of North Carolina School of the Arts Theater & Drama graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.1x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →