At $40,991/yr net price, American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles graduates earn $27,019/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $40,991 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $163,964 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $27,019/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-6,981/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 76.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $37,452/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $41,181/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $46,735/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $40,431/yr |
| $110,001+ | $43,210/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | Associate | $16,685 | $12,000 |
The Risk Factor
76.0% of students at American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 24% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles offers a financially risky path with median earnings of just $27,019 ten years after graduation despite annual costs exceeding $40,000. The school's single program focus on drama and theatre arts produces graduates earning $16,685 annually while carrying typical debt loads of $12,000.
The math works against most students here. You'll pay premium private school prices for training that leads to below-poverty wages in an oversaturated Los Angeles entertainment market. Even accounting for the creative industries' irregular income patterns and potential for breakout success, the baseline earning potential creates serious financial strain.
This school makes financial sense only if you have substantial family support or independent wealth that eliminates borrowing needs. The 76% graduation rate suggests most students complete the program, but completion doesn't translate to viable earnings in this field. Only 28% of students receive financial aid, indicating limited institutional support for reducing your out-of-pocket costs.
Consider this program if you're using family money specifically for professional acting training and view it as skills development rather than career preparation with guaranteed returns. Look elsewhere if you need your degree to generate sufficient income for loan repayment or financial independence. The Los Angeles market offers abundant competition from graduates of more established programs, making the premium tuition here particularly hard to justify on purely financial grounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles worth the cost?
With graduates earning a median of $27,019 ten years after enrollment against a net price of $40,991 per year, the financial return is poor. The debt-to-income ratio makes this a high-risk investment for most students.
What is the job market like for American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles graduates?
Graduates earn significantly below the national average, with median earnings of $27,019 after ten years. The entertainment industry offers limited high-paying positions, making financial stability challenging for most alumni.
How much debt do American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles students typically graduate with?
The median debt is relatively low at $12,000, which helps offset the poor earnings outcomes. However, even this modest debt burden represents nearly half a year's salary for typical graduates.
Which programs at American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles have the best ROI?
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs show earnings of $16,685, which is actually lower than the school's overall graduate median. No programs at this school demonstrate strong financial returns relative to educational costs.