Theater & Drama at University of South Florida
Tampa, FL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
30
Optimistic
30
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings
$24,732/yr (17% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market
Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI
17.9x earnings multiple (6.6x out-of-state)
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 | $456K | $459K | $432K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 17.8x | 17.9x | 16.9x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 6.6x | 6.6x | 6.2x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 36% | 33% | 27% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 30 | 30 | 24 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$25,640
Out-of-state: $69,296 (6.6x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,342
10.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$35,949
45% growth from Year 1
About University of South Florida
With a 41% acceptance rate, University of South Florida is moderately selective, serving a student body of 36,299 in Tampa, FL.
See all programs and financial aid at University of South Florida →Top Career Paths
Producers and directors
$83,480/yr
Fashion designers
$80,690/yr
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary
$80,190/yr
Compare & Explore
Theater & Drama at Other Schools
Compare Theater & Drama
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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
How does University of South Florida's Theater & Drama program score?
This program scores 30/100 — on the lower end for Theater & Drama. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why does University of South Florida rank so high for Theater & Drama?
The #11 ranking out of 270 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →