Program Analysis
Graduates earn $20,461/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.
The earnings-to-cost ratio of 7.5x 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 3% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $16,201 represents roughly 10 months of the $20,461 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #179 of 270 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs, University of California-Irvine falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Earnings grow from $20,461 to $27,561 over five years — a 35% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.