Theater & Drama at Wayne State University

Detroit, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
19 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
19
Optimistic
19
Base Case
16
Pessimistic
Earnings $18,750/yr (-11% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 8.0x earnings multiple (3.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #184 of 270 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs

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 $455K $457K $431K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 7.9x 8.0x 7.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.7x 3.8x 3.5x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 19 19 16

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$57,188
Out-of-state: $121,676 (3.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,092
-3% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,853
14.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$33,158
77% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Wayne State University's Theater & Drama program produces graduates earning $18,750/yr — within striking distance of the $21,147 national average for this field.

At 8.0x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 37% task exposure — and the 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $21,853 debt load exceeds a year of the $18,750 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #184 out of 270 programs, Wayne State University's financial outcomes for Theater & Drama trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $18,750 to $33,158 over five years (77% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Wayne State University

A 82% acceptance rate means Wayne State University is accessible to most applicants, serving 15,676 students in Detroit, MI. With 43% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Wayne State University →

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

Other Majors at Wayne State University

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

How does Wayne State University's Theater & Drama program score?
This program scores 19/100 — on the lower end for Theater & Drama. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Wayne State University Theater & Drama graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.2x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →