Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Ithaca College

Ithaca, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
13 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
14
Optimistic
13
Base Case
10
Pessimistic
Earnings $18,243/yr (-14% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 2.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #254 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 $490K $490K $458K
Earnings Multiple 2.4x 2.4x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 14 13 10

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$202,040
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$131,860
35% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
17.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$38,424
111% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $18,243/yr, Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduates from Ithaca College land near the $21,147 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

An earnings multiple of 2.4x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 37% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $26,000 debt load exceeds a year of the $18,243 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #254 out of 270 programs, Ithaca College's financial outcomes for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $18,243 to $38,424 over five years (111% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Ithaca College

Ithaca College accepts 70% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with a smaller student body of 4,350 in Ithaca, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $131,860 over four years — 35% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Ithaca College →

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 Ithaca College

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

How does Ithaca College's Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft program score?
This program scores 13/100 — on the lower end for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Ithaca College Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.4x 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 →