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Theater & Drama at University of South Dakota

Vermillion, SD · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
29 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
30
Optimistic
29
Base Case
21
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,852/yr (60% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 12.1x earnings multiple (8.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #24 of 270 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs Top 10%

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 $455K $458K $432K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.1x 12.1x 11.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.8x 8.8x 8.3x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 30 29 21
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$37,728
Out-of-state: $51,768 (8.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$76,620
-103% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$28,318
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

Program Analysis

At $33,852 per year, Theater & Drama graduates from University of South Dakota significantly outpace the $21,147 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

With a 12.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Theater & Drama career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At #24 of 270 programs, this Theater & Drama program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

About University of South Dakota

With 99% of applicants admitted, University of South Dakota prioritizes broad access, serving 5,239 students in Vermillion, SD.

See all programs and financial aid at University of South Dakota →

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

Compare this program → View all 270 schools offering Theater & Drama →

Theater & Drama at Other Schools

Saint Mary's College of California ($38,160) University of Notre Dame ($37,531) Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University ($36,557) The University of Texas at Austin ($33,261) Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania ($33,169) Carnegie Mellon University ($32,967) University of Colorado Boulder ($32,142) Stephen F Austin State University ($29,945)

Other Majors at University of South Dakota

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($71,758) Dental Support Services and Allied Professions ($61,265) Accounting and Related Services ($57,234) Economics ($52,857) Finance and Financial Management Services ($49,472) Marketing ($48,060) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($47,107) Special Education and Teaching ($46,439)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Theater & Drama trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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

What does a 29/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Theater & Drama at University of South Dakota?
At 29/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Theater & Drama programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →