Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
19 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
19
Optimistic
19
Base Case
15
Pessimistic
Earnings $21,585/yr (2% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 6.9x earnings multiple (5.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #185 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 $417K $423K $403K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 6.8x 6.9x 6.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.5x 5.5x 5.3x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 19 19 15

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$61,192
Out-of-state: $76,392 (5.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$74,804
-22% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,731
14.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$27,085
25% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Western Michigan University's Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft program produces graduates earning $21,585/yr — within striking distance of the $21,147 national average for this field.

A 6.9x 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 1.2x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #185 ranking among 270 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs places Western Michigan University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 25% earnings increase from $21,585 to $27,085 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Western Michigan University

A 85% acceptance rate means Western Michigan University is accessible to most applicants, serving 12,704 students in Kalamazoo, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Michigan 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 Michigan 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 19/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Western Michigan University?
At 19/100, 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 Michigan University?
At $26,731 in median debt, graduates carry 15 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 →