Manhattan School of Music
- Graduation Rate
- 78% B+
- Solid completion rate — most students graduate
- Earnings (10yr)
- $26,878 F
- Below average for college graduates
- Net Price
- $51,754 F
- 202% more than the typical college
- Acceptance Rate
- 41% A-
- Selective, but achievable with strong credentials
Bottom line: A C- overall grade — outcomes trail most U.S. colleges. 4.3× return on investment — every $1 spent returns $4.3 over 20 years.
Every $1 spent returns $4.3 over 20 years — debt pays back in ~1 years. Net gain: $688,663.
What The Data Says
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A C- overall — outcomes trail most U.S. colleges on measured metrics.
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Graduate earnings fall 34% below the national college median.
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A 78% graduation rate — 37% above the national average.
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Every $1 invested returns $4.3 over 20 years — an exceptional return.
About Manhattan School of Music
Manhattan School of Music is profiled below with full outcomes data from federal sources.
Interpretation generated from this school's federal outcomes, research, and mobility data.
Institutional Profile
- Institution Type
- Private Special-Focus Institution
- Carnegie Class
- Special Focus
- Enrollment
- 539
- Setting
- Urban
- Primary Strengths
- Visual & Performing Arts
Why students choose Manhattan School of Music
CollegeRanker Report Card
Graded on outcomes, against every U.S. college.
Each grade is this school's national percentile on a real outcome — earnings, value, mobility, and more.
How we grade →Admissions
Selective — admits about 41% of applicants. Run your numbers in the admissions predictor below.
Check your odds →Net price + aid
Students pay about $51,754 a year after grants and scholarships — 202% above the typical U.S. college. See net price by family income below.
See cost & aid →Earnings + debt
Graduates earn a median of $26,878 ten years after enrolling — 34% below the typical college, against $26,994 in median debt.
See outcomes →Mobility + social capital
Mobility and social-capital data are limited for this school — see what's reported below.
See mobility →Overview
With an enrollment of just 539 students, Manhattan School of Music is ideal for those passionate about the arts, particularly in visual and performing disciplines. The acceptance rate stands at 41%, which indicates a selective process that favors dedicated artists. Here, students immerse themselves in a vibrant creative community, honing their skills in programs that emphasize performance, composition, and other artistic pursuits.
After graduation, students can expect to earn around $26,878 within ten years. While this figure may seem modest, it reflects the reality for many in the arts, where passion often precedes financial gain. The school’s affordability is a consideration, especially for those mindful of their financial future, as only 12% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating limited financial aid for those with the greatest need.
Looking at the practical aspects, the net price after aid is $51,754, coupled with a median debt of $26,994. This financial landscape suggests that students here should be prepared for a significant investment. However, those who thrive often share a deep commitment to their craft and a readiness to navigate the challenges of the arts industry. If you’re someone who values artistic expression and is willing to invest in your future, this school could be a good fit.
Can I Get In?
How selective Manhattan School of Music is — and how your numbers stack up.
Tool
Will I Be Accepted?
Enter your credentials to see your chances at this school.
Academics & Admissions
Is It Hard to Get Into Manhattan School of Music? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
As a private institution in New York, New York, Manhattan School of Music reviews applications selectively. The acceptance rate runs near 41%. The graduation rate is roughly 78%.
- Acceptance Rate
- 41%
- Retention Rate
- 93%
- Full-Time Faculty
- 21%
- Faculty Salary (mo)
- $7,792
- Student–Faculty Ratio
- 6:1
- Diversity Index
- 0.73
- Applicants
- 1,027
- Admitted
- 565
Can I Afford It?
What you'll actually pay after grants and aid — not the sticker price.
Cost & Financial Aid
How Much Does It Cost to Attend Manhattan School of Music? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at Manhattan School of Music is $57,050, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $51,754. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $31,392 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $26,994 in federal student loans.
- In-State Tuition
- $57,050
- Out-of-State
- $57,050
- Avg Net Price
- $51,754
- Median Debt
- $26,994
- Pell Grant Rate
- 12%
- Federal Loan Rate
- 33%
What Families Actually Pay
- Family Income $0–$30K
- $31,392
- Family Income $30K–$48K
- $38,143
- Family Income $48K–$75K
- $46,638
- Family Income $110K+
- $56,540
What Happens After?
Earnings, debt, and where graduates actually land.
Students Like You
Tell us a little about yourself to see what students like you have typically experienced at Manhattan School of Music — the net price for your income, your admission odds, and the outcomes that follow. These are patterns from federal data, not predictions.
Graduate Outcomes
Is Manhattan School of Music Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of Manhattan School of Music report median earnings of $26,878, a figure worth comparing against the cost of attendance before enrolling.
- 6 Years After Entry
- $18,815
- 8 Years
- $37,166
- 10 Years
- $26,878
- Debt-to-Earnings
- 1x
- Earning > $25K
- 35%
Earnings Trajectory
Graduation by Timeframe
- 100% (79)
- 70%
- 100% (79)
- 70%
- 100% (79)
- 70%
- 100% (79)
- 70%
How Manhattan Compares
Dot right of center = above national average.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.
College ROI Calculator
Is Manhattan School of Music Worth It?
A data-driven look at the return on your educational investment — using real federal data.
Yes — for most students, Manhattan School of Music delivers a positive return. Over four years, the typical net price is $51,754/year ($207,016 total). Graduates earn $26,878 at ten years, and over a 20-year career we project $895,679 in total earnings — a net gain of $688,663 (4.3× your investment). The median debt is $26,994, which takes about a year to pay back at typical earnings. With a 78% graduation rate, the path to that return is well-tested. This is a exceptional ROI compared to national averages.
- Total Cost (4yr)
- $207,016
- Projected 20yr Earnings
- $895,679
- Net Return
- $688,663
- ROI Multiple
- 4.3×
- Cost Per Year
- $51,754
- Median Debt
- $26,994
- Debt Payback
- ~1 yr
- Graduation Rate
- 78%
Does It Change Lives?
Mobility, social capital, and innovation — does it move people up?
Institutional Finances
Data: NCES IPEDS
- Federal Grants
- $598,295
- Investment Income
- $-5,809,411
Top Programs
The fields Manhattan School of Music awards the most degrees in, by share of completions. Where federal field-of-study data exists, we show what graduates in that major earned early in their careers. Each links to its degree guide — or see what someone with your income, scores, and major would pay and earn here in the Students Like You simulator.
- Visual & Performing Arts 100% $15,913 early-career
Early-career median earnings by major (typically 1–2 years after completion, bachelor's level where available), in today's dollars (CPI-adjusted). Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard field of study. Distinct from the school-wide 10-year median; suppressed for small programs.
Top Careers
Where these majors tend to lead — common career paths for Manhattan School of Music's most popular programs, ranked by median pay with our proprietary scorecard insights.
- C-Art Director$105,180 · 5% growthAdaptable 60
- C-Animator$86,120 · 3% growthAdaptable 60
- D+Fashion Designer$79,600 · 1% growthAdaptable 60
- D+Interior Designer$62,510 · 4% growthAdaptable 60
- C-Museum Curator$59,880 · 8% growthAdaptable 60
- D+Graphic Designer$58,910 · 3% growthVulnerable 48
- D+Photographer$40,760 · 4% growthAdaptable 60
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Hard to Get Into Manhattan School of Music? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
As a private institution in New York, New York, Manhattan School of Music reviews applications selectively. The acceptance rate runs near 41%. The graduation rate is roughly 78%.
How Much Does It Cost to Attend Manhattan School of Music? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at Manhattan School of Music is $57,050, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $51,754. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $31,392 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $26,994 in federal student loans.
Is Manhattan School of Music Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of Manhattan School of Music report median earnings of $26,878, a figure worth comparing against the cost of attendance before enrolling.
Similar Schools
Schools with similar outcomes, selectivity, and student profiles to Manhattan School of Music.
- Beacon CollegeLeesburg, FL · Close peer59% grad $29,420 earn 43% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar size
- The New England Conservatory of MusicBoston, MA · Close peer76% grad $34,483 earn 41% acceptWhy: similar selectivity · similar grad rate · similar size
- American Musical and Dramatic AcademyNew York, NY · Close peer72% grad $26,975 earn 24% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar grad rate · same state
- Landmark CollegePutney, VT · Strong match35% grad $29,813 earn 49% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar size
- Moore College of Art and DesignPhiladelphia, PA · Strong match60% grad $37,839 earn 56% acceptWhy: similar size
- Paul Quinn CollegeDallas, TX · Strong match33% grad $29,288 earn 40% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar size
