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Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Portland State University

Portland, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $25,352/yr (20% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)

Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)

ROI 10.9x earnings multiple (4.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #38 of 270 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs Top 25%

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	$489K	$490K	$457K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.9x	10.9x	10.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.1x	4.1x	3.8x
Probability of Field Employment	36%	33%	27%
DegreeOutlook Score	28	27	22

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$44,952

Out-of-state: $120,552 (4.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$51,728

-15% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$29,399

13.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$42,373

67% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $25,352 at Portland State University come in 20% above the national median of $21,147 for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs.

With a 10.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% 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.

Portland State University ranks #38 among 270 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $25,352-to-$42,373 earnings arc over five years reflects a 67% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Portland State University

Portland State University accepts 91% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 13,619 in Portland, OR.

See all programs and financial aid at Portland State 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 Portland State University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 27/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Portland State University?

At 27/100, 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 Portland State University?

At $29,399 in median debt, graduates carry 14 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.

Is Portland State University one of the best schools for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft?

Among 270 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs, Portland State University's #38 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →