Manhattan School of Music: 55.0% Acceptance Rate

55.0%Acceptance

$54,600Tuition

535Students

78%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$26,878Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Manhattan School of Music

This conservatory has trained some of music's biggest names, from jazz legend Herbie Hancock to crooner Harry Connick Jr. Manhattan School of Music focuses exclusively on developing classical musicians and jazz performers in one of the world's music capitals. With just 535 students, it offers the intimacy of a small conservatory with access to New York's endless performance opportunities. The 6:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll work closely with professional musicians who perform at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall.

Expect to pay for this training. The average net price hits $47,599 after aid, with total costs reaching $73,450 annually. Graduates face a harsh financial reality, earning a median of just $26,878 ten years out. That leaves many with $26,994 in debt and monthly payments of $286. Only 65.52% of borrowers successfully repay their loans. The music industry's notoriously low pay makes this investment particularly risky.

The school maintains high standards with a 92.72% retention rate and 78.30% of students graduating within six years. Nearly all graduates find work, with a 95.6% employment rate. However, "employment" in music often means cobbling together gigs, teaching, and side jobs rather than steady, well-paying careers.

Academics & Faculty

Manhattan School of Music operates as a specialized conservatory focused exclusively on training classical musicians and jazz performers. The 6:1 student-faculty ratio ensures intensive one-on-one instruction that's essential for developing musical technique and artistry. Students work closely with faculty who are often active performers in New York's professional music scene. The school's 78.79% four-year graduation rate reflects the demanding nature of conservatory training, where students must master both performance skills and music theory. Classical performance and jazz studies represent the core academic offerings, with programs designed to prepare musicians for professional careers in orchestras, ensembles, and solo performance. The conservatory model means students spend most of their time in practice rooms, masterclasses, and performance opportunities rather than traditional lecture halls.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 6:1
Full-Time Faculty: 21.9%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 78.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 78.3%
Retention Rate: 92.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $26,878

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Music.	Master	$24,228
Music.	Certificate	$18,154
Music.	Bachelor	$13,393

View all 6 programs →

Campus Life

The conservatory sits on Manhattan's Upper West Side, where students walk past Lincoln Center daily and hear practice rooms echoing through residence hall windows. With housing capacity for 600 students and total enrollment of 535, nearly every student can live on campus if they choose. The 6:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your playing style and push you in masterclasses that feel more like private coaching sessions.

Students bundle up in heavy winter coats from December through March, then shed layers for humid summers when practice room windows stay cracked open. Weekends revolve around student recitals, jazz club visits in Greenwich Village, and catching performances at nearby venues like Alice Tully Hall. The 92.72% retention rate reflects students who find their tribe among fellow musicians who understand the grind of eight-hour practice days. Study breaks happen at Riverside Park along the Hudson River, where students decompress between intense rehearsals and performance evaluations that shape their musical careers.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 600 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1917

Campus Safety (2023)

3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Robbery	0	0	0	2
Domestic Violence	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 27°–39°F
July Avg: 70°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 49.5"
Annual Snowfall: 29.8"

Student Demographics

Manhattan School of Music draws serious musicians from across the country, with over 80% coming from out of state to study in one of classical music's most demanding environments. The school attracts dedicated performers willing to take on significant financial risk for top training. With 535 students split almost evenly between men and women, the conservatory reflects the gender balance found in professional classical and jazz performance. Only 13% receive Pell Grants, indicating most students come from families able to invest heavily in musical education. The 6:1 student-faculty ratio ensures intensive mentorship for aspiring professional musicians.

Men: 50.8%
Women: 49.2%
White: 37.6%
Black: 5.1%
Hispanic: 10.5%
Asian: 7.1%
In-State Students: 18.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 13.2%

Location

Manhattan School of Music sits in New York City on the Upper West Side, just blocks from Central Park and Lincoln Center. The conservatory operates in one of the world's most active cultural centers, where students can walk to Carnegie Hall, the Metropolitan Opera, and dozens of jazz clubs. With 535 students in the heart of Manhattan, the school offers unparalleled access to professional performance opportunities and industry connections. The Upper West Side neighborhood blends residential charm with cultural institutions, giving music students both practice spaces and real-world venues. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Manhattan School of Music with similar schools in the region.

Address: New York, New York 10027

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $26,878
Median Earnings (5 years): $32,388
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $23,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 65.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $26,994

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Manhattan School of Music?

Manhattan School of Music admits 55% of applicants, making it moderately selective among top conservatories. The school focuses heavily on auditions and musical ability rather than traditional academic metrics when evaluating candidates.

How much does Manhattan School of Music cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $47,599 after aid, though only 13% of students receive financial assistance. With total costs reaching $73,450 annually, most families pay close to the full tuition of $54,600 plus $17,350 for room and board.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Manhattan School of Music?

The school maintains a 6:1 student-faculty ratio with just 535 total students enrolled. This intimate setting allows for intensive one-on-one instruction that's essential for developing classical musicians and jazz performers.

How much do Manhattan School of Music graduates earn after graduation?

Recent graduates earn a median of $18,578 in their first year, rising to $26,878 after ten years. These relatively modest earnings reflect the reality of pursuing careers in classical music and jazz performance, where artistic fulfillment often outweighs financial rewards.

Where do students live at Manhattan School of Music?

The school houses 600 students in dormitories on Manhattan's Upper West Side, with 92% of students returning each year. Living in the heart of New York provides unparalleled access to Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and countless performance opportunities.

Does Manhattan School of Music compete with other top conservatories?

The school competes directly with Juilliard and New England Conservatory for the most talented musicians worldwide. Alumni like Harry Connick Jr. and Herbie Hancock demonstrate the caliber of artists the 107-year-old institution produces in both classical and jazz genres.