Theater & Drama at American Musical and Dramatic Academy

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

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

Program Analysis

American Musical and Dramatic Academy's Theater & Drama graduates start at $15,909/yr — above the $14,801 national average, though not by a wide margin.

An earnings multiple of 1.8x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 37% task exposure — and the 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Theater & Drama graduates.

The $12,000 debt-to-$15,909 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #5 out of 13 programs, American Musical and Dramatic Academy's Theater & Drama offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

With 7 registered apprenticeships mapped to Theater & Drama, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

29 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
25
Low End
29
Score
31
High End
Earnings $15,909/yr (7% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (63% shielded)
Job Market Large (78,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$166K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
1.8x
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
$91,120
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,000
9.1 months of Year 1 earnings

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

Theater & Drama at Other Schools

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does American Musical and Dramatic Academy's Theater & Drama program score?
This program scores 29/100 — on the lower end for Theater & Drama. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Are there apprenticeship options for Theater & Drama?
Yes — 7 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Theater & Drama career paths, including Actor. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at American Musical and Dramatic Academy.
Will Theater & Drama graduates from American Musical and Dramatic Academy find jobs?
Job availability for Theater & Drama is strong — 78,700 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For American Musical and Dramatic Academy graduates specifically, local market conditions in NY may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →