Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $17,478/yr fall 17% below the $21,147 national median for Theater & Drama. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
An earnings multiple of 2.1x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.
AI risk is moderate — 37% task exposure — and the 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $26,949 debt load exceeds a year of the $17,478 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.
At #269 out of 270 programs, Wagner College's financial outcomes for Theater & Drama trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $17,478 to $28,580 over five years (64% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.