Theater & Drama at Wagner College
Staten Island, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
13
Optimistic
12
Base Case
10
Pessimistic
Earnings
$17,478/yr (-17% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market
Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI
2.1x earnings multiple
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 | $432K | $436K | $414K |
| Earnings Multiple | 2.1x | 2.1x | 2.0x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 36% | 33% | 27% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 13 | 12 | 10 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$208,000
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,949
18.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$28,580
64% growth from Year 1
About Wagner College
Wagner College has a 83% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a compact campus enrolling 1,579 students in Staten Island, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $110,932 over four years — 47% below sticker price.
See all programs and financial aid at Wagner College →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
Other Majors at Wagner College
Explore the Trade Alternative
Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Wagner College's Theater & Drama program score?
This program scores 12/100 — on the lower end for Theater & Drama. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Wagner College Theater & Drama graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.5x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
Why are Theater & Drama earnings lower at Wagner College?
Lower starting pay at Wagner College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →