Skip to main content
CollegeHelpGuide
American Musical and Dramatic Academy logo

American Musical and Dramatic Academy

New York, NY·Private nonprofit·1,502 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for competitive applicants and students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. a private nonprofit school with 1,502 students.

25%
Accept
1,502
Students
$41,019
Net Price
72%
Grad Rate
$34,500
Earnings
10 yr
$12,000
Debt

About This School

American Musical and Dramatic Academy is a private nonprofit institution located in New York, New York with approximately 1,502 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 25% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $41,019 per year. The graduation rate is 72%, and the typical graduate earns $34,500 within 10 years of enrollment.

The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) is a private conservatory for the performing arts in New York City and Los Angeles, California. The conservatory offers master's degrees, bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, and certificates in professional performance. AMDA is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

The numbers tell a mixed story here: while median debt at graduation is a manageable $12,000, median earnings of $34,500 a decade out are modest for graduates carrying the full $41,019 annual net price — meaning return on investment deserves serious thought. The 72% graduation rate and 75% freshman retention suggest a meaningful number of students don't finish, which in a conservatory setting often reflects the brutal realities of performing arts training rather than academic struggles. Worth considering if you're committed to a performance career in NYC and want intensive, specialized training, but come in clear-eyed about the financial math.

Founded
1964
Setting
Large city

Popular Programs

Visual & Performing Arts100%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Jason DeruloJanelle MonáePaul SorvinoGretchen MolTyne DalyJesse Tyler FergusonRay FisherAnthony RamosNatalie ZeaErik EstradaLee TergesenBecca Tobin

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$45,560
Out-of-State Tuition
$45,560
Avg Net Price
$41,019
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants36%
Median debt at graduation$12,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
72%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
75%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$34,500
after enrollment
Median Debt
$12,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$12,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$23,300
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$34,500
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.9x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White33%
Black17%
Hispanic/Latino19%
Asian2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,502 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

American Musical and Dramatic Academy

211 West 61st Street

New York, NY 10023

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in New York

Browse all New York schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

All school names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this page is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement or affiliation with CollegeHelpGuide.