Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
19 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
20
Optimistic
19
Base Case
15
Pessimistic
Earnings $22,447/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 6.6x earnings multiple (2.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #199 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 $427K $432K $411K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 6.5x 6.6x 6.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.7x 2.8x 2.6x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 20 19 15

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$65,832
Out-of-state: $156,168 (2.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$77,808
-18% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
11.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$29,450
31% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Virginia Commonwealth University's Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduates start at $22,447/yr — above the $21,147 national average, though not by a wide margin.

A 6.6x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 4% 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 $20,500 against $22,447/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #199 ranking among 270 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs places Virginia Commonwealth University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 31% earnings increase from $22,447 to $29,450 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Virginia Commonwealth University

A 93% acceptance rate means Virginia Commonwealth University is accessible to most applicants, one of the larger campuses at 20,797 students in Richmond, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at Virginia Commonwealth 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 Virginia Commonwealth 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 19/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Virginia Commonwealth University?
At 19/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →