American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles

90.1%Acceptance

$39,475Tuition

169Students

76%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$27,019Earnings

Private nonprofit2-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindData: 2023-24

About American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles

The American Academy of Dramatic Arts trains actors through hands-on conservatory programs that focus on real performance skills rather than academic theory. With just 169 students, this school feels more like an acting studio than a traditional college. Notable graduates include Robert Redford, Paul Rudd, and Grace Kelly, who all learned their craft in the school's intensive two-year program. The Los Angeles campus puts students right in the heart of the entertainment industry, where they can audition and network while still in school.

The money picture tells a tough story for aspiring actors. Students pay an average net price of $40,991 per year, but graduates earn a median of just $27,019 ten years after finishing the program. That means many students will struggle to pay back loans on an actor's income. The typical graduate leaves with $12,000 in debt and makes monthly loan payments of $127. Only 41% of borrowers successfully repay their loans, which reflects the financial reality of pursuing acting careers.

Most students (76%) come from out of state, drawn to Los Angeles for its film and television opportunities. The 90% acceptance rate means almost everyone who applies gets in, but the real test comes after graduation when students compete for roles in one of the world's toughest entertainment markets.

Academics & Faculty

The American Academy of Dramatic Arts runs a focused two-year conservatory program that trains actors through hands-on performance work rather than traditional college courses. With a student-faculty ratio of 18:1, students get direct coaching from working professionals in small classes that feel more like rehearsals than lectures. The 76% graduation rate reflects the program's intensity, as some students discover acting isn't for them or transfer to four-year programs. The school teaches method acting, voice training, movement, and scene study through constant practice and performance. Students spend most of their time on stage or in studio classes, not sitting in lecture halls taking general education requirements.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Full-Time Faculty: 21.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 76.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $27,019

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft.	Associate	$16,685

View all 2 programs →

Campus Life

The American Academy of Dramatic Arts sits in the heart of Los Angeles, where you'll need sunscreen year-round but never a heavy winter coat. With only 148 housing spots for 169 students, about 87% of students live on campus in the tight-knit residence halls. This creates an intense dorm life where everyone knows each other and acting exercises spill into late-night conversations.

Weekends blur into weekdays here because acting training never really stops. Students spend Saturday mornings in movement classes, then head to Hollywood Boulevard to watch street performers or catch shows at small theaters. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and your acting strengths by week two. You'll practice scenes in Griffith Park, attend industry showcases in nearby studios, and dissect performances over coffee in Los Feliz. The campus buzzes with energy as students rehearse monologues in hallways and practice accents while walking to class. Most social activities revolve around the craft, from improv nights to group trips to see live theater across the city.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 148 beds
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 48°–68°F
July Avg: 64°–82°F
Annual Precipitation: 14.3"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

The American Academy of Dramatic Arts draws aspiring actors from across the country, with 76% coming from outside California to train in Hollywood's backyard. Women make up 58% of the student body, reflecting the broader gender patterns in performing arts programs. About 28% receive Pell Grants, showing the school attracts students from working-class families willing to invest in their acting dreams. The diverse mix includes 35% white students, 12% Hispanic, and 11% Black students. These are young people serious enough about acting to commit to an intensive conservatory program in one of the world's most expensive cities.

Men: 42.0%
Women: 58.0%
White: 34.9%
Black: 10.7%
Hispanic: 12.4%
Asian: 3.0%
In-State Students: 24.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 27.9%

Location

The American Academy of Dramatic Arts sits in the heart of Los Angeles, California, one of the world's entertainment capitals. With 76% of students coming from out of state, most arrive knowing they're placing themselves at the center of the film and television industry. The school operates in a major metropolitan area where students can audition for real roles while studying. Los Angeles offers year-round mild weather and endless networking opportunities in Hollywood, just minutes from major studios and production companies. The city's acting scene means students compete with working professionals for parts, making it both challenging and realistic preparation for their careers. Students considering colleges in California may also compare American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles with similar schools in the region.

Address: Los Angeles, California 90028

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $27,019
Median Earnings (5 years): $19,329
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $21,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 41.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $127/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $12,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles?

The school accepts 90.11% of applicants, making it accessible to most aspiring actors. This selective conservatory focuses on finding students passionate about professional acting training rather than maintaining artificial exclusivity.

How much does American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $40,991 annually, with total attendance costs reaching $54,740 including room and board. Only 27.85% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the specialized nature of this intensive acting program.

What is the student-faculty ratio at American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles?

The school maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio with just 169 total students enrolled. This intimate setting allows for hands-on coaching in scene study, voice work, and movement classes that define the conservatory experience.

How much do American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles graduates earn?

Graduates earn a median of $27,019 ten years after graduation, reflecting the challenging economics of acting careers. The school boasts a 93.8% employment rate and has trained notable stars like Robert Redford, Paul Rudd, and Grace Kelly.

Does American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles offer campus housing?

The school provides housing for 148 students, nearly matching its total enrollment of 169. This creates a tight-knit community where aspiring actors live and train together in the heart of Los Angeles entertainment industry.

Is American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles worth the debt for acting training?

Graduates typically carry $12,000 in median debt with monthly payments of $127, relatively low for specialized training. The school's 76% six-year graduation rate and alumni success stories demonstrate its effectiveness as a launching pad for professional acting careers.