Theater & Drama at University of Puget Sound

Tacoma, WA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
22 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
23
Optimistic
22
Base Case
20
Pessimistic
Earnings $16,310/yr (-23% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 1.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #141 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 $383K $391K $378K
Earnings Multiple 1.6x 1.6x 1.6x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 23 22 20

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$239,600
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$155,680
35% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $16,310 place University of Puget Sound below the $21,147 national median for Theater & Drama — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

An earnings multiple of 1.6x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 37% task exposure — and the 1% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At #141 out of 270 programs, University of Puget Sound's financial outcomes for Theater & Drama trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About University of Puget Sound

University of Puget Sound accepts 76% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a smaller student body of 1,631 in Tacoma, WA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $155,680 — 35% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Puget Sound →

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 Puget Sound

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 Puget Sound'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.
Why are Theater & Drama earnings lower at University of Puget Sound?
Lower starting pay at University of Puget Sound 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 →