Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
14 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
15
Optimistic
14
Base Case
10
Pessimistic
Earnings $21,473/yr (2% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 1.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #236 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 $435K $439K $416K
Earnings Multiple 1.6x 1.6x 1.5x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 15 14 10

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$272,948
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$127,708
53% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,000
6.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$30,649
43% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $21,473/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 financial case is thin at 1.6x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

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 $12,000 represents roughly 7 months of the $21,473 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #236 of 270 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs, University of Southern California falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $21,473 to $30,649 over five years — a 43% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About University of Southern California

University of Southern California's 10% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, serving a student body of 20,817 in Los Angeles, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $127,708 over four years — 53% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Southern California →

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 University of Southern California

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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at University of Southern California?
A score of 14/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Is University of Southern California a hidden gem for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft?
After financial aid, the average student pays $127,708 over four years — 53% below the $272,948 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →