Manhattan School of Music
Manhattan School of Music — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Manhattan School of Music Worth It?
At a value score of 10/100, Manhattan School of Music is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $26,878 — 50% below average — while paying $51,754/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The 78% graduation rate means roughly 22% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
With median debt of $26,994 representing 100% 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 Manhattan School of Music has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Manhattan School of Music compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in NY
Ranked #21 of 28 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 | Turtle Mountain College | 100 | $3,428 | $32,079 |
| #2 | Rabbinical College Bobover Yeshiva Bnei Zion | 51 | $9,136 | $20,707 |
| #3 | United Tribes Technical College | 49 | $3,569 | $25,292 |
| #4 | Caribbean University-Bayamon | 48 | $4,665 | $22,842 |
| #5 | Caribbean University-Ponce | 45 | $4,964 | $22,842 |
| #6 | Blackfeet Community College | 39 | $5,410 | $22,953 |
| #21 | Manhattan School of Music | 10 | $51,754 | $26,878 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Manhattan School of Music's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 5 in NY.
Best Programs at Manhattan School of Music
The highest-earning program at Manhattan School of Music is Music at $17,500/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Music graduate from Manhattan School of Music earns $17,500, while a Music graduate earns $17,500. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Music graduates carry $23,834 in median debt vs. $23,834 for Music.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $51,754/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Music | $17,500 | $17,500 | $23,834 |
Similar Colleges in NY
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- New York, NY
- Student Body
- 539 students
- Admission Rate
- 41%
- Graduation Rate
- 78%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $51,754
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $26,878
- Median Student Debt
- $26,994