Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, KY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
25 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
26
Optimistic
25
Base Case
20
Pessimistic
Earnings $22,884/yr (8% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 9.1x earnings multiple (3.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #68 of 270 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs Top 25%

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 $410K $416K $398K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.0x 9.1x 8.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.8x 3.9x 3.7x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 26 25 20

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$45,744
Out-of-state: $108,000 (3.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$43,664
5% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
11.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $22,884 per year, Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduates from Western Kentucky University earn slightly above the $21,147 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 9.1x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

Some AI exposure exists in Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft's typical career paths, with 37% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 3% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $21,500 represents roughly 11 months of the $22,884 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #68 of 270 nationally, this is a top-5% Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

About Western Kentucky University

With 97% of applicants admitted, Western Kentucky University prioritizes broad access, enrolling 12,267 students in Bowling Green, KY.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Kentucky 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Western Kentucky University?
A score of 25/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
What makes Western Kentucky University's Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft program stand out?
Ranked #68 of 270 programs nationally, Western Kentucky University lands in the top 25%. 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 →