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
Juilliard hands you a financial picture that looks broken on paper. You pay about $38,000 a year in net price, then earn a median of $37,827 ten years out. Your annual cost roughly equals your eventual salary, which is a return most schools would be embarrassed by. The 90% graduation rate and 97% retention tell you people finish and stay, so the low earnings are not a dropout problem. This is what a performing arts career pays.
The catch is that Juilliard trains you for music, dance, and drama, and those fields pay in reputation and gig work, not steady salaries. Median debt sits at $25,500, which is manageable in isolation but heavy against a $37,827 income. If you take out that debt expecting standard repayment, the math is tight for years.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families and punish the middle. Under $30k, you pay about $19,135. between $48k and $75k, that jumps to $30,694. over $110k, you pay $48,999. The step up from the $30-48k bracket to the $48-75k bracket nearly doubles your cost, so a modest income bump hurts you here.
Juilliard makes financial sense if performing is the only thing you want to do and you can access the lower-income pricing or outside funding. The training is the point, and no cheaper school replaces it for a serious dancer or musician. If you are weighing career earnings against tuition, or your family lands in the $48k-plus brackets without aid, the numbers do not work in your favor. Go in knowing the salary data reflects the industry you are entering, and borrow as little as the $25,500 median suggests is possible.
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.