American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About American Musical and Dramatic Academy
Fun fact: AMDA is bi coastal, but its New York home sits in the Upper West Side. The academy is known for conservatory style training that sharpens acting, dance, voice, and stagecraft through studio-based learning and steady practice. Facilities include light-filled rehearsal rooms, black box stages, and on-site performance spaces, plus advising, tutoring, wellness support, and a practical career office. The vibe is focused, collaborative, city fueled.
Student life centers on rehearsals, student-led shows, open mics, and late-night scene work, with Central Park and nearby arts spaces often in the mix. Career prep leans hands-on with audition coaching, portfolio help, visiting artists, and a tradition of end-of-term showcases. The neighborhood offers quick access to Lincoln Center, Broadway houses, Off-Broadway stages, and indie sets. It feels like training and industry blended.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects
Explore degree programs offered at American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in New York. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.
Arts (12)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
50.0399
Dance, Other.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in New York
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | New York Avg | NY vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $60,800 | -$41,440 (-40.5%) |
| 27-2031 | Dancers | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 27-2032 | Choreographers | $62,020 | $109,750 | +$47,730 (+77%) |
50.0501
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.
(Assoc, Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in New York
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | New York Avg | NY vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $60,800 | -$41,440 (-40.5%) |
| 27-2011 | Actors | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 27-2012 | Producers and Directors | $114,280 | $181,530 | +$67,250 (+58.8%) |
| 27-2099 | Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other | N/A | N/A | N/A |
50.0504
Playwriting and Screenwriting.
(PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in New York
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | New York Avg | NY vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $60,800 | -$41,440 (-40.5%) |
| 27-3043 | Writers and Authors | $85,780 | N/A | N/A |
50.0506
Acting.
(Cert<2y, Assoc, Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in New York
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | New York Avg | NY vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $60,800 | -$41,440 (-40.5%) |
| 27-2011 | Actors | N/A | N/A | N/A |
50.0509
Musical Theatre.
(Cert<2y, Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in New York
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | New York Avg | NY vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $60,800 | -$41,440 (-40.5%) |
| 27-2011 | Actors | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 27-2012 | Producers and Directors | $114,280 | $181,530 | +$67,250 (+58.8%) |
| 27-2031 | Dancers | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 27-2032 | Choreographers | $62,020 | $109,750 | +$47,730 (+77%) |
| 27-2041 | Music Directors and Composers | $84,230 | $109,490 | +$25,260 (+30%) |
| 27-2042 | Musicians and Singers | N/A | N/A | N/A |
50.0599
Dramatic/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft, Other.
(Cert<2y, Assoc)
Graduate Career Earnings in New York
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | New York Avg | NY vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $60,800 | -$41,440 (-40.5%) |
| 27-2011 | Actors | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 27-2012 | Producers and Directors | $114,280 | $181,530 | +$67,250 (+58.8%) |
| 27-2099 | Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 39-3092 | Costume Attendants | $65,890 | $80,280 | +$14,390 (+21.8%) |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA)
How much does it cost to attend American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA)?
The annual tuition at American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) is $45,560 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $65,760 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $15,500 and books and supplies $1,200.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does American Musical and Dramatic Academy offer?
American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) offers 16 academic programs across 1 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (≥2 yrs), Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's.
Most popular program areas include:
- Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (12 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for American Musical and Dramatic Academy?
American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) has an 24.7% acceptance rate and a 23.8% yield rate, making it highly selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 6,580
- Students admitted: 1,626
- Students enrolled: 387
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at American Musical and Dramatic Academy?
American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) provides financial aid to 32% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $17,627 and average loans of $11,903.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,957
- State/Local grants: $5,724
- Institutional grants: $14,962
- Federal loans: $5,692
The university supports 470 students with grants and 337 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for American Musical and Dramatic Academy graduates?
American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) graduates earn a median salary of $21,168 after 6 years and $26,975 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $11,230 (25th percentile) to $48,289 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $62,000 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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