Theater & Drama at Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
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)
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 | $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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,731
14.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$27,085
25% growth from Year 1
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
Compare & Explore
Theater & Drama 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 Theater & Drama at Western Michigan University?
At 19/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Theater & Drama programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Theater & Drama 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 →