Theater & Drama at Manhattan School of Music

New York, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
25 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
25
Optimistic
25
Base Case
17
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,400/yr (39% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (37% exposed)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)
ROI 2.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #72 of 270 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs Top 50%

Program Analysis

Your exploration of Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at the Manhattan School of Music places you in an exceptionally unique position. Being embedded in New York City, the epicenter of American performing arts, provides an unparalleled advantage. This isn't just a degree; it's an immersive conservatory experience, offering intense, practical training designed to launch you directly into the professional world. The robust outcomes reflect direct access to a highly concentrated labor market, from Broadway and Off-Broadway productions to film, television, and commercial work. Graduates often leverage the school's reputation and faculty connections to secure early roles, whether performing, directing, writing, or contributing to technical production and design. Your peers and professors become an invaluable network, essential for navigating the highly competitive but high-reward NYC arts scene. To maximize your potential, immerse yourself in every opportunity for professional engagement and networking from day one.

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 $437K $441K $418K
Earnings Multiple 2.0x 2.0x 1.9x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 33% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 25 25 17

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$218,400
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$190,396
13% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,596
10.9 months of Year 1 earnings

About Manhattan School of Music

Manhattan School of Music accepts 40% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, a smaller institution with 535 students in New York, NY.

See all programs and financial aid at Manhattan School of Music →

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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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 Manhattan School of Music?
A score of 25/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Theater & Drama. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →