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Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Academy of Art University

San Francisco, CA · Private for-profit · Bachelor's Degree
14 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
15
Optimistic
14
Base Case
10
Pessimistic
Earnings $20,798/yr (-2% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 3.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #235 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 $401K $408K $392K
Earnings Multiple 3.6x 3.6x 3.5x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 15 14 10
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$112,096
Median Debt at Graduation
$30,666
17.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$19,276
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $20,798/yr, roughly in line with the $21,147 national median for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

At 3.6x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 2% 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 1.5x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #235 ranking among 270 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs places Academy of Art University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Academy of Art University

with a smaller student body of 4,131 in San Francisco, CA. 42% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Academy of Art 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

Compare this program → View all 270 schools offering Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft →

Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Other Schools

Saint Mary's College of California ($38,160) University of Notre Dame ($37,531) Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University ($36,557) University of South Dakota ($33,852) The University of Texas at Austin ($33,261) Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania ($33,169) Carnegie Mellon University ($32,967) University of Colorado Boulder ($32,142)

Other Majors at Academy of Art University

Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians ($48,978) Computer Software and Media Applications ($45,387) Visual and Performing Arts, General ($28,494) Apparel and Textiles ($27,630) Graphic Communications ($27,481) Radio, Television, and Digital Communication ($25,425) Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($23,354) Design and Applied Arts ($20,829)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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

What does a 14/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Academy of Art University?
At 14/100, 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 Academy of Art University?
At $30,666 in median debt, graduates carry 18 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 →