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%

Program Analysis

The strong financial outcomes for graduates of this Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft program defy common perceptions about creative degrees. This likely reflects a curriculum emphasizing highly practical, technical skills in stagecraft, which are broadly applicable beyond traditional theatre. In a regional market like South Dakota, skilled technicians and project managers in event production, corporate media, or educational institutions are often in high demand and can command competitive salaries. Graduates may also find success in related fields like exhibit design or specialized creative services. The program's smaller, public university setting might also mean more hands-on experience and direct faculty mentorship, fostering the adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit essential for success in creative industries. To maximize your earning potential, actively cultivate a diverse portfolio of technical projects and network broadly within the events and production sectors.

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

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

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

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 →