Home › American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles › Theater & Drama

Theater & Drama at American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit · Associate Degree · Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft

A 90% acceptance rate means American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles is accessible to most applicants, with a smaller student body of 169 in Los Angeles, CA.

Program Analysis

At $12,445 per year, Theater & Drama graduates from American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles earn below the $14,801 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

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 #10 ranking among 13 Theater & Drama programs places American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles 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

Theater & Drama opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

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-New York ($14,335)

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Compare Theater & Drama degree programs on DegreeOutlook →

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 28/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Theater & Drama at American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles?
At 28/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Theater & Drama programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles a good choice for Theater & Drama despite lower starting pay?
Lower starting pay at American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Theater & Drama program at American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles?
If American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles's tuition gives you pause, consider that 7 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Theater & Drama. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
How could AI change the job market for Theater & Drama graduates?
Our model shows a 37% gap between best and worst-case decade earnings. AI is unlikely to eliminate Theater & Drama careers, but it could reduce positions in some specializations.
Will Theater & Drama graduates from American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles find jobs?
At 78,700 annual openings, Theater & Drama has a large employment base. American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →