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Theater & Drama at American Academy of Dramatic Arts-New York

New York, NY · Private nonprofit · Associate Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft

A 81% acceptance rate means American Academy of Dramatic Arts-New York is accessible to most applicants, a compact campus enrolling 225 students in New York, NY.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $12,445/yr fall 16% below the $14,801 national median for Theater & Drama. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

At 2.5x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 37% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Theater & Drama career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

At $12,000 against $12,445/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #12 ranking among 13 Theater & Drama programs places American Academy of Dramatic Arts-New York in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $12,445-to-$18,854 earnings arc over five years reflects a 51% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.

The 7 apprenticeship pathways connected to Theater & Drama reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

28 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
24
Low End
28
Score
30
High End
Earnings $12,445/yr (-16% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (63% shielded)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$208K
10.9% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
2.6x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
12 of 12
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition
$78,950
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,000
11.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$18,854
51% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Theater & Drama graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Producers and directors $83,480 +4.9% 58%
Fashion designers $80,690 +2.0% 61%
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary $80,190 +1.7% 56%
Producers and directors
$83,480
+4.9% growth 58% AI-proof
Fashion designers
$80,690
+2.0% growth 61% AI-proof
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary
$80,190
+1.7% growth 56% AI-proof

View all 12 career paths with full salary data →

Theater & Drama Career Guide

Explore what Theater & Drama graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 13 programs nationwide.

Read the full Theater & Drama career guide →

Compare & Explore

Theater & Drama Overview

View all 13 schools offering Theater & Drama →

Theater & Drama at Other Schools

KD Conservatory College of Film and Dramatic Arts ($22,845) Theatre of Arts ($18,746) American Musical and Dramatic Academy ($17,382) New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts ($15,997) American Musical and Dramatic Academy ($15,909) New York Film Academy ($15,355) CUNY LaGuardia Community College ($15,314) American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles ($14,335)

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare Theater & Drama degree programs on DegreeOutlook →

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does American Academy of Dramatic Arts-New York's Theater & Drama program score?
At 28/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Theater & Drama programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Can you still earn well with Theater & Drama from American Academy of Dramatic Arts-New York?
Lower starting pay at American Academy of Dramatic Arts-New York may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Can I learn Theater & Drama through an apprenticeship instead of American Academy of Dramatic Arts-New York?
The DOL recognizes 7 apprenticeship pathways related to Theater & Drama. For students weighing American Academy of Dramatic Arts-New York's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
How could AI change the job market for Theater & Drama graduates?
The 37% scenario spread reflects genuine uncertainty. Some career paths within Theater & Drama are more exposed than others — the aggregate score blends resistant and vulnerable roles.
How many job openings are there for Theater & Drama graduates?
The large job market (78,700 annual openings) works in favor of Theater & Drama graduates. The national outlook is driven by consistent replacement demand and industry growth, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →