At $37,903/yr net price, The Juilliard School graduates earn $37,827/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,827/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $37,903 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $151,612 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,827/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,827/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 39.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 90.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,135/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,645/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $30,694/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $34,340/yr |
| $110,001+ | $48,999/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dance. | Certificate | $33,993 | |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | Certificate | $25,194 | |
| Music. | Master | $24,532 | $41,000 |
The Risk Factor
90.0% of students at The Juilliard School graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
The Juilliard School delivers weak financial returns despite its reputation. Your median earnings of $37,827 after ten years barely cover the $37,903 annual net price, creating a precarious financial equation for most graduates.
Dance majors earn the highest salaries at $33,993, though this still falls short of covering education costs. Drama and music graduates face particularly challenging financial prospects, with theater majors earning just $25,194 and music majors $24,532 annually. Music students carry especially heavy debt burdens averaging $41,000, making loan repayment difficult on entry-level performing arts salaries.
Your biggest financial risk centers on the unpredictable nature of performing arts careers. Unlike other fields where steady employment growth exists, arts careers depend heavily on talent, networking, and market conditions beyond your control. Many graduates supplement performance income with teaching or other work, which the median earnings data likely reflects.
Juilliard makes financial sense only if you have substantial family wealth, minimal borrowing needs, or strong talent likely to generate above-average earnings. The school's 13% financial aid rate suggests limited need-based assistance, making affordability challenging for middle-class families.
You should look elsewhere if you need to borrow heavily or lack financial safety nets. The math simply does not work for most students taking on significant debt. However, if you can afford the investment and view Juilliard as essential for your artistic development rather than financial advancement, the school's 97% retention rate and 90% graduation rate indicate strong student satisfaction with the non-financial aspects of education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Juilliard School worth the high tuition cost?
The Juilliard School's ROI is poor by traditional financial metrics, with graduates earning just $37,827 ten years after graduation despite a net cost of nearly $38,000 per year. However, the school serves students pursuing artistic careers where financial returns aren't the primary goal.
What is the average debt for Juilliard School graduates?
Juilliard graduates have a median debt of $25,500, which is relatively manageable compared to the school's high costs. This suggests the school provides substantial financial aid to accepted students.
Which programs at The Juilliard School have the best earning potential?
Dance graduates from Juilliard earn the highest median income at $33,993, followed by Drama/Theatre Arts at $25,194 and Music at $24,532. All programs show below-average earning potential compared to other college majors.
Does Juilliard School's financial aid make it affordable?
Juilliard reduces costs significantly through financial aid, bringing the average net price down to $37,903 from a much higher sticker price. The school's 10.61% acceptance rate means admitted students often receive substantial aid packages.