Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Western Connecticut State University

Danbury, CT · Public · Bachelor's Degree
21 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
22
Optimistic
21
Base Case
16
Pessimistic
Earnings $24,150/yr (14% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 8.3x earnings multiple (6.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #148 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 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $420K $426K $406K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.2x 8.3x 7.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.5x 6.6x 6.3x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 22 21 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)
$51,052
Out-of-state: $64,380 (6.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$74,468
-46% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
12.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$28,374
17% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Western Connecticut State University's Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduates start at $24,150/yr — above the $21,147 national average, though not by a wide margin.

A 8.3x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 3% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.0x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #148 ranking among 270 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs places Western Connecticut State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $24,150 to $28,374 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Western Connecticut State University

A 81% acceptance rate means Western Connecticut State University is accessible to most applicants, a smaller institution with 3,434 students in Danbury, CT.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Connecticut 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

Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Other Schools

Other Majors at Western Connecticut 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

What does a 21/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Western Connecticut State University?
At 21/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft degree from Western Connecticut State University?
At $25,000 in median debt, graduates carry 12 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →