Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Radford University

Radford, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
20 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
20
Optimistic
20
Base Case
16
Pessimistic
Earnings $20,666/yr (-2% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 9.0x earnings multiple (4.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #176 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 $436K $440K $418K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.9x 9.0x 8.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.3x 4.4x 4.1x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 20 20 16

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$49,144
Out-of-state: $100,740 (4.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$66,560
-35% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,000
13.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$30,677
48% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $20,666 track close to the $21,147 national median for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 9.0x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

Some AI exposure exists in Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft's typical career paths, with 37% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 4% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $24,000 against $20,666/yr in first-year earnings means roughly 1.2 years of salary goes to loan repayment. That's a heavy but not crushing debt load.

Ranked #176 of 270 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs, Radford University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $20,666 to $30,677 over five years — a 48% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Radford University

Radford University has a 91% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 5,609 in Radford, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at Radford 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

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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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Radford University?
A score of 20/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Is Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Radford University worth the student debt?
Median debt of $24,000 against $20,666/yr starting salary means roughly 1.2 years of earnings go to repayment. That's above average — financial aid and loan terms matter here.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →