Program Analysis
Graduates earn $21,473/yr, roughly in line with the $21,147 national median for Theater & Drama. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
The financial case is thin at 1.6x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.
Some AI exposure exists in Theater & Drama's typical career paths, with 37% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 4% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $12,000 represents roughly 7 months of the $21,473 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #236 of 270 Theater & Drama programs, University of Southern California falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Earnings grow from $21,473 to $30,649 over five years — a 43% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.