Theater & Dramaat University of the Arts
Graduates earn $12,085/yr in their first year — about 43.0% below the national Theater & Drama average. Base-case 10-year earnings $518K; scenarios range from $481K to $521K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of the Arts
The financial outcomes for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduates from the University of the Arts reflect the highly competitive and often non-traditional career paths within the performing arts. Many graduates dive into the vibrant, but often initially lower-paying, world of regional theatre, independent film, and event production, particularly in cities like Philadelphia. Roles in stagecraft, while essential, frequently involve freelance or project-based work, making consistent, high earnings challenging early on. You'll build your portfolio and network through local companies, festivals like FringeArts, or even theme parks and cruise lines, where initial pay may be modest. Success in this field heavily relies on relentless networking, demonstrable talent, and often, an entrepreneurial spirit to create your own opportunities. To navigate this landscape effectively, focus intensely on internships and building a strong, diverse portfolio of work throughout your studies, perhaps even exploring related skills like event management or technical direction to broaden your immediate career options.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of the Arts's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Theater & Drama
How University of the Arts stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of the Arts
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of the Arts, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Theater & Drama offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Theater & Drama trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Theater & Drama at University of the Arts
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Theater & Drama at University of the Arts?
A score of 12/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Theater & Drama. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Is Theater & Drama at University of the Arts worth the student debt?
Median debt of $27,000 against $12,085/yr starting salary means roughly 2.2 years of earnings go to repayment. That's above average — financial aid and loan terms matter here.
Can you still earn well with Theater & Drama from University of the Arts?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.