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New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts

New York, NY·Private for-profit·251 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access. for-profit institutions have higher scrutiny — research carefully. a private for-profit school with 251 students.

43%
Accept
251
Students
$48,620
Net Price
N/A
Grad Rate
$35,600
Earnings
10 yr
$12,000
Debt

About This School

New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts is a private for-profit institution located in New York, New York with approximately 251 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 43% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $48,620 per year. Typical graduates earn $35,600 within 10 years of enrollment.

The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts (NYCDA) was a private drama school in New York City. It was originally conceived for the purpose of training actors for film and television acting and is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) to offer associate degrees.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: graduates earn a median of $35,600 ten years out, which is modest for a degree costing $39,413 per year, though the relatively low median debt of $12,000 suggests many students avoid catastrophic borrowing. Worth considering if you're set on serious conservatory training in New York City and have a clear-eyed plan for supplementing your income through teaching, commercial work, or other gigs — this is a small, focused program, not a networking machine. Students who thrive here tend to be driven, self-directed, and realistic about the financial realities of a performing arts career.

Founded
1980
Setting
Large city
Avg Faculty Salary
$6,944

Popular Programs

Visual & Performing Arts100%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

Test Policy: Neither required nor recommended

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$37,450
Out-of-State Tuition
$37,450
Avg Net Price
$48,620
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$48,406
$30–48k$44,006
$48–75k$46,962
$75–110k$49,803
$110k+$50,522

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

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants45%
Median debt at graduation$12,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
N/A
within 6 years
Retention Rate
N/A
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$35,600
after enrollment
Median Debt
$12,000
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$25,100
Female graduates$24,700

Gap: 2% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$12,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$24,900
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$35,600
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.0x

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

White31%
Black16%
Hispanic/Latino24%
Asian2%
Two or more races4%
American Indian/Alaska Native1%
International12%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (251 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts

39 W 19th Street Fl 2

New York, NY 10011-4225

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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