Theater & Dramaat University of Notre Dame
Graduates earn $37,531/yr in their first year — about 77.0% above the national Theater & Drama average. Base-case 10-year earnings $566K; scenarios range from $519K to $572K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Notre Dame
While the financial outcomes for Notre Dame's Drama program surpass national averages for the field, this reflects the significant advantage of an elite university degree. Your Notre Dame pedigree and the vast, influential alumni network open doors beyond traditional theatre, facilitating entry into diverse industries nationwide. The program likely emphasizes a robust liberal arts foundation, honing critical thinking, communication, and project management skills highly valued across sectors. Many graduates leverage this versatility into roles in arts administration, creative production, marketing, or even entrepreneurial ventures, rather than solely performing or stagecraft. The university’s strong career services and national reputation help graduates navigate competitive markets far from South Bend. To maximize your journey, actively seek out internships that bridge your artistic passion with practical business acumen, and engage deeply with the powerful alumni network from day one.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of Notre Dame's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Theater & Drama
How University of Notre Dame stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Notre Dame
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Notre Dame, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Theater & Drama offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Theater & Drama trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Theater & Drama at University of Notre Dame
How does University of Notre Dame's Theater & Drama program score?
This program scores 29/100 — on the lower end for Theater & Drama. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How affordable is Theater & Drama at University of Notre Dame after financial aid?
Sticker price is $250,772, but the average net cost is $111,292 — a 56% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.