American Musical and Dramatic Academy
American Musical and Dramatic Academy — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is American Musical and Dramatic Academy Worth It?
At a value score of 12/100, American Musical and Dramatic Academy is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $26,975 — 50% below average — while paying $41,416/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The 72% graduation rate means roughly 28% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Admission is competitive with a 24% acceptance rate, so applicants should have strong academic credentials.
With median debt of $15,250 representing 57% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at American Musical and Dramatic Academy has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How American Musical and Dramatic Academy compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #11 of 14 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | United Talmudical Seminary | 54 | $6,640 | $25,113 |
| #2 | Caribbean University-Bayamon | 48 | $4,665 | $22,842 |
| #3 | Atlantic University | 37 | $6,425 | $25,272 |
| #4 | Wiley University | 25 | $7,092 | $33,159 |
| #5 | Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Fajardo | 22 | $9,230 | $23,132 |
| #6 | Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach | 18 | $12,038 | $32,568 |
| #11 | American Musical and Dramatic Academy | 12 | $41,416 | $26,975 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of American Musical and Dramatic Academy's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in NY.
Best Programs at American Musical and Dramatic Academy
The highest-earning program at American Musical and Dramatic Academy is Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at $16,000/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduate from American Musical and Dramatic Academy earns $16,000, while a Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduate earns $16,000. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $41,416/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $16,000 | $16,000 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in NY
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- New York, NY
- Student Body
- 1,438 students
- Admission Rate
- 24%
- Graduation Rate
- 72%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $41,416
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $26,975
- Median Student Debt
- $15,250