American Musical and Dramatic Academy
Acceptance rate
24.5%
2025
Peer median 61.3%
Tuition per year
$46,928
$66,028 with room and board
Peer median $40,478
Undergraduates
1,438
Student-faculty ratio 5:1
Peer median 9 : 1
Graduation rate
58.9%
4-year; 6-year rate 61.3%
Peer median 52.9%
“Peers” are all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) is a prestigious institution located in the heart of New York City and Los Angeles, renowned for its excellence in performing arts education. Established in 1964, AMDA specializes in training students in various aspects of musical theater, acting, and dance, offering a unique blend of rigorous academic programs and practical training. One of the standout features of AMDA is its commitment to fostering individual creativity and expression, encouraging students to develop their unique artistic voices. The school’s motto, “The Art of Performance,” encapsulates its philosophy of nurturing talent through immersive experiences and comprehensive instruction.
AMDA boasts a strong faculty comprised of industry professionals, including accomplished actors, directors, choreographers, and musicians, who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom. This exceptional faculty provides students with invaluable insights into the performing arts industry, enhancing their learning and preparation for future careers. The school also provides state-of-the-art facilities, including performance spaces, dance studios, and rehearsal rooms, allowing students to hone their craft in an environment conducive to artistic growth. Furthermore, AMDA's vibrant campus culture fosters collaboration and camaraderie among students, creating a supportive community where aspiring performers can thrive. The school has a remarkable track record of producing successful alumni, many of whom have gone on to achieve notable careers in theater, film, and television, further solidifying AMDA's reputation as a leading institution for aspiring artists.
Analysis of Key Data Trends at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy
The American Musical and Dramatic Academy has experienced significant shifts across several key metrics over the years. One notable trend is the increase in tuition fees. From 2014 to 2024, undergraduate tuition has risen from $31,820 to $45,560, marking a substantial increase of 43%. This sharp rise in tuition reflects broader trends in higher education, where increasing operational costs and demand for quality facilities and services often lead to higher costs for students.
Another important aspect is the graduation rates among undergraduate students. The data shows a concerning decline in the timely graduation rate from 100% in 2014 to approximately 62% in 2023. This decline raises questions about student support systems and the challenges students face in completing their programs on time, possibly exacerbated by the financial burden of rising tuition costs.
The retention rate also presents an intriguing narrative. After fluctuating over the years, it peaked at approximately 90% in 2022, but fell to around 74% in 2023. High retention rates are generally indicative of student satisfaction and effective support systems, making this decline particularly noteworthy. It suggests that while the academy may have had a successful year in 2022, recent challenges could be impacting student experiences and commitments to their education.
Lastly, the student-to-faculty ratio has seen a troubling increase, dropping from 30 in 2013 to just 5 in 2023. A low ratio can often lead to more personalized education, but such a drastic change may also indicate reduced faculty availability or an increasing student body without proportional faculty growth, which could hinder the quality of education provided.
In summary, while the American Musical and Dramatic Academy has seen growth in its financial aspects, the implications of rising tuition, declining graduation rates, fluctuating retention rates, and shifting student-to-faculty ratios warrant careful consideration and strategic responses to ensure the institution's long-term success and student satisfaction.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Large city
- Nearest major city
- New York, about 8 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), about 10 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Jan Rugger Martin (Executive Director)
- Phone
- 21278753003331
- Address
- 211 West 61st Street, New York, NY 10023
Rankings & Admission
Peer median 61.3% · all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S.
Acceptance rate by gender, 2025
In 2020: men 31.9%, women 30.4%.
Data insights
Trends in Admission Rates at American Musical and Dramatic Academy
The admission data for the American Musical and Dramatic Academy reveals significant fluctuations in both male and female acceptance rates over the years. Starting from 2009, the male acceptance rate was notably high at 90.5%, while the female acceptance rate stood at 70.1%. However, as the years progressed, there was a marked decline in acceptance rates, especially for male applicants, reaching a low of 20.8% in 2018.
This downward trend in acceptance rates could be indicative of increasing competition among applicants, reflecting broader trends in higher education where institutions face an influx of applications. For instance, in 2015, the male acceptance rate dropped to 25.7%, with a staggering 6,418 applicants denied admission, highlighting the growing demand for places at the academy.
Interestingly, the female acceptance rate has also seen a decline, though it has remained relatively higher compared to the male counterpart. For example, in 2019, the female acceptance rate was only 9.0%, which is a dramatic reduction from earlier years, suggesting that the academy may be prioritizing a more balanced approach to gender representation in its admissions.
The data also shows a concerning trend in the number of students deferred and denied admission, with a peak in the number of denials in 2016 when 6,930 applicants were turned away. This points to a highly selective process, possibly influenced by the academy's desire to maintain a certain standard of excellence and artistic talent among its students.
In summary, the American Musical and Dramatic Academy’s admission statistics reflect a complex landscape of increasing competition, selective admissions, and shifting gender dynamics, which are crucial for prospective students to consider in their application journey.
Test Scores
SAT/ACT not considered, even if submitted IPEDS (US Department of Education) has no recent SAT/ACT data for admitted students here. GPA, course rigor, essays and activities matter more.
Data insights
Analysis of Admission Data Trends at AMDA
The data from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) reveals a consistent pattern of missing standardized test score information from 2007 to 2023. This lack of available scores for both SAT and ACT assessments raises questions about the academy's admissions policy, particularly in light of the increasing trend among higher education institutions to adopt test-optional policies in recent years.
The absence of specific score ranges for critical assessments such as reading, mathematics, and composite scores suggests that AMDA may have shifted its focus away from standardized testing as a primary criterion for admission. This trend aligns with a broader movement within academia, where several institutions are re-evaluating the role of standardized tests in the admissions process, recognizing that such scores may not fully capture a student’s potential or creative abilities, especially in the performing arts.
Moreover, the decision to refrain from publishing these scores may reflect the academy's commitment to a more holistic review process, which could potentially consider diverse factors such as auditions, personal statements, and letters of recommendation. As the landscape of college admissions continues to evolve, it is crucial for institutions like AMDA to adapt their strategies to attract a diverse and talented student body while ensuring fairness and accessibility in their admissions practices.
Overall, while the lack of detailed score data may limit direct comparisons with other institutions or years, it underscores an important shift in how schools are approaching admissions in the context of evolving societal and educational values.
How Hard Is It to Get In
about 2 in 10
6,728 applicants in 2025, 24.5% admitted
1,647 admitted 5,081 not admitted Yield 27.4%
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Playwriting and Screenwriting · Master's6 (0% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data for Performing Arts Programs
The graduation data from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy reveals some significant trends in the performing arts disciplines for 2023. Notably, the Musical Theatre program stands out with the highest number of graduates, totaling 154 bachelor's degrees awarded, which represents approximately 68% of the total bachelor's degrees conferred in the performing arts categories. This highlights the program's strong appeal and the increasing demand for skilled performers in musical theatre, likely driven by the ongoing resurgence of live performances post-pandemic.
In contrast, the Acting program, while still notable with 71 bachelor's graduates, indicates a smaller scale of interest, making up about 31% of the total bachelor's graduates. This disparity suggests that students may be gravitating towards more specific and commercially viable avenues such as musical theatre, where job opportunities are more abundant.
Interestingly, the data shows a complete absence of master's and doctorate graduates in any program. This raises questions about the pathways available for advanced studies in performing arts, as well as potential gaps in professional development opportunities. Additionally, the presence of international students is quite modest, with only a few pursuing degrees in Musical Theatre and Acting, which may reflect broader trends in international education and the competitiveness of the U.S. arts education landscape.
The lack of associate degree graduates in several programs could also indicate a shifting focus towards bachelor’s credentials as a minimum standard in the industry, aligning with current employment trends that favor higher education qualifications.
Overall, these figures paint a picture of a dynamic and evolving educational environment in the performing arts, marked by a strong emphasis on musical theatre and a need for further exploration of advanced degree offerings.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dance, Other. | $24,730 | |||
| Playwriting and Screenwriting. | $19,092-$26,244 | |||
| Acting. | $19,092-$26,244 | |||
| Musical Theatre. | $19,092-$26,244 | |||
| Dramatic/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft, Other. | $19,092-$26,244 |
Students
1,452 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 28:72 · Freshman retention 83.3%
- Continuing undergraduates 813
- First-year undergraduates 477
- Graduate students 14
- Transfers and others 148
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,438)
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at AMDA in 2023
The student body composition at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in 2023 reveals some interesting trends. Among the undergraduate freshmen, there are 470 students, with a significant female majority of 74.9%, while males constitute only 25.1%. This pattern of a higher female enrollment is consistent across the other categories as well, with 72.1% of the undergraduate seniors and 71.4% of the transfer students being female.
The graduate student demographic is notably smaller, with only 9 students enrolled, and similarly reflects a higher proportion of female students (66.7%). This gender imbalance suggests that the performing arts field may still attract more female students, which is a trend observed in many arts-focused educational institutions.
When analyzing the ethnic breakdown, it is worth noting that the majority of the undergraduate freshmen are White, with 164 out of 470 students identified as such. However, the data also indicates the presence of diverse backgrounds, although specific numbers for the other ethnic groups were not fully disclosed in the provided data. The representation of various ethnicities is essential in fostering an inclusive environment and enriching the educational experience.
Overall, the data indicates a predominance of female students across all categories, coupled with a significant number of White students among the fresh cohort. As the performing arts landscape continues to evolve, it will be crucial for institutions like AMDA to enhance diversity and inclusion initiatives to attract a broader range of students. This could help address gender imbalances and ensure that the arts reflect the rich diversity of society.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at AMDA 2023
The age distribution of students at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in 2023 presents an intriguing snapshot of the demographic make-up within the institution. The largest cohort, consisting of undergraduate females aged 18-19, significantly outnumbers their male counterparts, with a ratio of approximately 3.3 females for every male. This trend continues across the 20-21 age group, where female enrollment remains robust compared to male figures.
Interestingly, the under-18 category shows a promising interest among younger students, with 11 females compared to just 4 males. This indicates a growing trend of early engagement in performing arts among young women. However, as students progress into the 22-24 age range, the numbers start to decline for both genders, suggesting potential challenges in retention or a shift in focus towards other paths as students reach their mid-twenties.
In the older age brackets, specifically 25-29 and 30-34, the numbers diminish further, indicating that AMDA primarily attracts younger students, likely due to the nature of the programs offered. The presence of a few students aged 40-49 and 50-64 demonstrates that the academy is also welcoming to mature students, although they constitute a very small percentage of the overall student body.
Overall, the data reveals a distinct gender disparity, particularly within the undergraduate levels, and highlights the need for institutions like AMDA to consider strategies to attract and retain male students, especially in the younger age brackets. This situation mirrors broader trends in higher education where female enrollment often surpasses that of males, raising important questions about educational engagement across different demographics.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S.
172 in 2025 · 5.3% in 2016
1 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2021
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at AMDA
The data from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) reveals significant trends in the enrollment of international students over the years. Initially, in 2004, the percentage of international undergraduate students stood at 10.3%, indicating a healthy interest in the institution among overseas applicants. However, this percentage saw a decline in the following years, reaching a low of 0.16% in 2012. This decline could be attributed to various factors, including changes in immigration policies and increased competition from other institutions.
Interestingly, the trend began to reverse around 2020, coinciding with a global increase in the mobility of students seeking international education. By 2022, the percentage of international students in the undergraduate program surged to 11.53%, and in 2023, it peaked at 14.07%. This resurgence illustrates AMDA's growing appeal as a destination for international students, possibly due to its unique focus on performing arts, which attracts talent from diverse backgrounds.
Moreover, the data indicates that the total number of undergraduate students has fluctuated, but the increasing share of international students suggests a strategic shift in recruitment efforts. The rise in international enrollment can also reflect broader trends in the arts education sector, where cultural exchange and global perspectives are increasingly valued.
In conclusion, AMDA's experience highlights the importance of adaptability in international student recruitment strategies, especially in the performing arts field. As the global landscape of education evolves, institutions like AMDA must continue to innovate and respond to the needs and aspirations of a diverse student body.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$66,028
- Undergraduate tuition
- $46,928
- Room and board
- $19,100
- Graduate tuition
- $46,928
Peer median tuition + room and board $58,844 · all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S.
Tuition rose 37% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 61%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$115M
Expenses$119M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
No athlete data available for 2025.
No athlete data available for 2024.
No athlete data available for 2023.
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Stevens Institute of TechnologyHoboken · 2.7 mi
U.S. News #59
-
Columbia University in the City of New YorkNew York · 2.8 mi
U.S. News #12
-
Barnard CollegeNew York · 2.9 mi
Liberal Arts #19
-
New York UniversityNew York · 3.0 mi
U.S. News #31
-
Rutgers University-NewarkNewark · 10.1 mi
U.S. News #73
-
Rutgers University-New BrunswickNew Brunswick · 30.6 mi
U.S. News #44
-
The United States Military Academy at West PointWest Point · 42.6 mi
Liberal Arts #9
-
Princeton UniversityPrinceton · 45.8 mi
U.S. News #2
-
Stony Brook UniversityStony Brook · 46.4 mi
U.S. News #59
Data insights
Here are some notable schools surrounding the American Musical and Dramatic Academy:
-
Columbia University in the City of New York - Ranked 12th in the 2024 US News rankings, Columbia is an Ivy League institution renowned for its rigorous academic programs and distinguished faculty.
-
Barnard College - A prestigious women's liberal arts college ranked 11th, Barnard offers a unique educational experience in the heart of New York City, with a strong emphasis on liberal arts education.
-
New York University - Ranked 35th, NYU is a globally recognized research university known for its diverse programs and vibrant campus life located in Manhattan.
-
Fordham University - This Jesuit university is ranked 89th and offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a strong commitment to social justice and community service.
-
Rutgers University-Newark - Ranked 82nd, this campus of Rutgers University is known for its diverse student body and strong programs in the arts and sciences.
These institutions offer a range of academic opportunities and contribute to the rich educational landscape surrounding the American Musical and Dramatic Academy.
Peer median 1.3 · all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Trends in Campus Crime Rates at American Musical and Dramatic Academy
The crime data from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy over the years reflects a notable decline in incidents per 1,000 students. Starting from a high of 10.34 incidents in 2016, the data shows a consistent drop, culminating in a low of 0.84 incidents in 2022. This trend is particularly encouraging, highlighting the effectiveness of safety measures and awareness programs implemented on campus.
The significant decrease in crime rates can be attributed to various factors, including heightened security protocols, improved campus lighting, and increased student awareness regarding personal safety. The drop in incidents of serious crimes, such as assault and theft, indicates a broader trend toward safer educational environments.
Moreover, the statistics reveal that the majority of incidents reported are related to drug and alcohol arrests, with gun-related arrests being notably low. This suggests that while substance abuse remains an issue, the campus is successfully minimizing more violent crimes.
In recent years, particularly from 2020 onwards, the reduction in crime rates is striking, with a mere 1.43 incidents per 1,000 students in 2021 and maintaining a low rate in subsequent years. This trend underscores the importance of continuous efforts in fostering a safe and supportive campus environment.
The decline in campus crime rates is a positive reflection of the community's commitment to safety. It serves as a reminder that proactive measures can lead to substantial improvements in student well-being and security.
For the calculation method of crime rates, please refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.
Notable Alumni
All 24Notable alumni of American Musical and Dramatic Academy include Jason Derulo (Singer, songwriter and dancer), Janelle Monáe (Singer, songwriter and actress with ten Grammy nominations) and Paul Sorvino (Actor often playing criminals and law enforcers).
-
Jason Derulo 1989–
Singer, songwriter and dancer
-
Janelle Monáe 1985–
Singer, songwriter and actress with ten Grammy nominations
-
Paul Sorvino 1939–2022
Actor often playing criminals and law enforcers
-
Gretchen Mol 1972–
Actress in Boardwalk Empire
-
Tyne Daly 1946–
Actress, six-time Emmy winner
-
Jesse Tyler Ferguson 1975–
Actor known for Modern Family
-
Ray Fisher 1987–
Actor who played Cyborg in Justice League
-
Anthony Ramos 1991–
Actor and singer
-
Erik Estrada 1949–
Actor, star of the TV series CHiPs
See all 24 notable alumni of American Musical and Dramatic Academy →
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.