Theater & Drama at American Musical and Dramatic Academy

New York, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
12 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
13
Optimistic
12
Base Case
10
Pessimistic
Earnings $17,410/yr (-18% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 2.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #264 of 270 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Theater & Drama graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $401K $408K $391K
Earnings Multiple 2.2x 2.2x 2.1x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 13 12 10

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$182,240
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$164,076
10% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
18.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$22,591
30% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

American Musical and Dramatic Academy's Theater & Drama graduates start at $17,410/yr, trailing the $21,147 national average by 18%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

The financial case is thin at 2.2x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

Some AI exposure exists in Theater & Drama's typical career paths, with 37% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 2% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $27,000 against $17,410/yr in first-year earnings means roughly 1.6 years of salary goes to loan repayment. That's a heavy but not crushing debt load.

Ranked #264 of 270 Theater & Drama programs, American Musical and Dramatic Academy falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $17,410 to $22,591 over five years — a 30% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About American Musical and Dramatic Academy

Admission to American Musical and Dramatic Academy is competitive, with 25% of applicants accepted, a smaller institution with 1,502 students in New York, NY.

See all programs and financial aid at American Musical and Dramatic Academy →

Top Career Paths

Producers and directors $83,480/yr
Fashion designers $80,690/yr
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary $80,190/yr
View all 12 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Theater & Drama at Other Schools

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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Theater & Drama at American Musical and Dramatic Academy?
A score of 12/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Theater & Drama. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Is Theater & Drama at American Musical and Dramatic Academy worth the student debt?
Median debt of $27,000 against $17,410/yr starting salary means roughly 1.6 years of earnings go to repayment. That's above average — financial aid and loan terms matter here.
Can you still earn well with Theater & Drama from American Musical and Dramatic Academy?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →