Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $17,478/yr fall 17% below the $21,147 national median for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
An earnings multiple of 2.1x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.
AI risk is moderate — 37% task exposure — and the 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $26,949 debt load exceeds a year of the $17,478 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.
At #269 out of 270 programs, Wagner College's financial outcomes for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $17,478 to $28,580 over five years (64% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.