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Manhattan School of Music

New York, NY·Private nonprofit·539 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. strong 78% graduation rate.

41%
Accept
539
Students
$51,754
Net Price
78%
Grad Rate
$40,700
Earnings
10 yr
$26,994
Debt

About This School

Manhattan School of Music is a private nonprofit institution located in New York, New York with approximately 539 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 41% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $51,754 per year. The graduation rate is 78%, and the typical graduate earns $40,700 within 10 years of enrollment.

The Manhattan School of Music (MSM) is a private music conservatory in New York City. The school offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in the areas of classical performance, jazz performance, contemporary performance, composition, and conducting, as well as a bachelor's in musical theatre.

This is a strong option for serious conservatory students focused on classical, jazz, or musical theatre performance, with a 93% freshman retention rate suggesting students who get in tend to thrive in the environment. The numbers tell a mixed story financially, though — median earnings of $40,700 a decade out make the $47,599 annual net price a real stretch, so students should go in clear-eyed about the economic realities of a performance career. The relatively modest median debt of $25,125 at graduation is a small bright spot, but this school makes the most sense for students committed to the art above all else, ideally with family financial support or significant merit aid.

Founded
1917
Setting
Large city
Avg Faculty Salary
$7,792

Popular Programs

Visual & Performing Arts100%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Charlie PuthHerbie HancockAngelo BadalamentiMax RoachAhmed BestMjekoeBob McGrathHarry Connick Jr.Donald ByrdRon CarterYusef LateefElliot Goldenthal

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

Test Policy: Neither required nor recommended

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$57,050
Out-of-State Tuition
$57,050
Avg Net Price
$51,754
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$31,392
$30–48k$38,143
$48–75k$46,638
$75–110k$48,042
$110k+$56,540

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants12%
Median debt at graduation$26,994

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
78%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
93%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$40,700
after enrollment
Median Debt
$26,994
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$26,994
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$23,700
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$40,700
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 1.5x

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

White37%
Black4%
Hispanic/Latino11%
Asian8%
Two or more races5%
International34%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (539 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Manhattan School of Music

130 Claremont Avenue

New York, NY 10027

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.
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