Theater & Drama at University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
29 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
29
Optimistic
29
Base Case
20
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,531/yr (77% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 2.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #20 of 270 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs Top 10%

Program Analysis

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.

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 $572K $566K $519K
Earnings Multiple 2.3x 2.3x 2.1x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 29 29 20

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$250,772
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$111,292
56% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,000
6.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$62,555
67% growth from Year 1

About University of Notre Dame

With just 12% of applicants admitted, University of Notre Dame ranks among the nation's most selective schools, enrolling 8,923 students in Notre Dame, IN. The average net cost of $111,292 over four years represents a 56% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Notre Dame →

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

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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 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →