Theater & Drama at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Whitewater, WI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
32
Optimistic
31
Base Case
26
Pessimistic
Earnings $24,412/yr (15% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 15.1x earnings multiple (7.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #9 of 270 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs Top 5%

Program Analysis

This program’s standout performance reflects its strong emphasis on practical stagecraft alongside dramatic arts, equipping you with highly transferable skills. The demand for technicians in lighting, sound, set design, and costume creation extends far beyond traditional theater. Graduates often find robust opportunities in live event production, corporate multimedia, museum exhibits, and even film sets, particularly benefiting from proximity to Milwaukee and Chicago's vibrant arts and event industries. These technical competencies, coupled with creative problem-solving, open pathways to stable and well-compensated roles in diverse creative fields, including design and production management. To maximize your potential, actively seek internships with local production companies or regional theaters early on to build a portfolio and network before graduation.

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 $500K $499K $465K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.2x 15.1x 14.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.0x 7.0x 6.5x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 31 26

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$33,000
Out-of-state: $71,664 (7.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,140
-79% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,625
13.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,748
79% growth from Year 1

About University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

With 83% of applicants admitted, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater prioritizes broad access, enrolling 9,180 students in Whitewater, WI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater →

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Theater & Drama at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater?
A score of 31/100 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 Wisconsin-Whitewater worth the student debt?
Median debt of $27,625 against $24,412/yr starting salary means roughly 1.1 years of earnings go to repayment. That's above average — financial aid and loan terms matter here.
What makes University of Wisconsin-Whitewater's Theater & Drama program stand out?
Ranked #9 of 270 programs nationally, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater lands in the top 5%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →