Theater & Drama at Winthrop University

Rock Hill, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
18 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
18
Optimistic
18
Base Case
14
Pessimistic
Earnings $20,600/yr (-3% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 6.6x earnings multiple (3.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #210 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 $414K $420K $401K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 6.5x 6.6x 6.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.4x 3.5x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 18 18 14

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$63,824
Out-of-state: $121,144 (3.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$65,412
-2% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
15.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$26,117
27% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $20,600/yr, Theater & Drama graduates from Winthrop University land near the $21,147 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

At 6.6x 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 3% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt load exceeds a year of the $20,600 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #210 out of 270 programs, Winthrop University's financial outcomes for Theater & Drama trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $20,600 to $26,117 shows 27% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Winthrop University

With 75% of applicants admitted, Winthrop University prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 3,424 students in Rock Hill, SC.

See all programs and financial aid at Winthrop 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

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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Winthrop University's Theater & Drama program score?
This program scores 18/100 — on the lower end for Theater & Drama. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Winthrop University Theater & Drama graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.3x 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 →