- The American Academy of Dramatic Arts has been training professional actors for over one hundred and twenty years. The Academy trains actors for stage, film and television by means of a structured, professionally-oriented program that stresses self-discovery, self-discipline and individuality.
School Highlights
American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles serves 112 students (100% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the state community college average of 44:1.
Minority enrollment is 66% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 77%.
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Enrollment: 112 students
- Private-state tuition: $30,650
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Student-teacher ratio: 12:1
- Minority enrollment: 66%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Resources
School Overview
The teacher population of 9 teachers has declined by 84% over five years.
American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges: High Transfer-Mixed Traditional/Nontraditional
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Private not-for-profit
Public
Year Founded
1884
Campus Size
2 acres
Total Faculty
9 staff
72 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles has grown by 5% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 has increased from 4:1 over five years.
The American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles diversity score of 0.76 is more than the state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has declined by 10% over five years.
Total Enrollment
112 students
6,838 students
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
44:1
# Full-Time Students
112 students
1,022 students
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Enrollment Undergraduate
112 students
2,055 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
112 students
967 students
Showing 2013–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Total Dormitory Capacity
150 students
140 students
% Asian
3%
12%
Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% Hispanic
11%
46%
Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% Black
11%
7%
Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% White
34%
23%
Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% Hawaiian
2%
n/a
% Two or more races
8%
5%
% Non Resident races
31%
1%
Diversity Score
0.76
0.71
Showing 2011–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
58%
42%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$35,300
$34,300
Tuition & Financial Aid
The private state tuition of $30,650 is more than the state average of $18,639. The private state tuition has declined by 17% over four years.
Private State Tuition Fees
$30,650
$18,639
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
98%
85%
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Median Debt for Graduates
$12,000
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$6,272
Acceptance Rate
83%
82%
Showing 2013–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- The Academy offers a two-year professional training program, a third year advanced performance program (The Academy Company) and a six-week summer program, in both New York and Hollywood. The Academy stresses practical, professional training for stage, film and television. The program is highly structured, focusing on acting, voice and speech, and movement, with an emphasis on self-discipline, self-discovery and, above all, individuality. At each stage of development, students' classroom knowledge is tested through onstage performances. Students who excel may be invited to join the Academy Company. Participation in the Academy Company offers actors further performance opportunities, often in the presence of casting directors, agents and other industry professionals. The Academy's California home on 1336 North La Brea Avenue between Sunset and Santa Monica Boulevards is in the heart of Los Angeles--the entertainment capital of the West Coast. The Los Angeles campus is built on what was formerly the Charlie Chaplin studio lot, and is a state of the art facility with classrooms, acting studios, a costume and props shop and a television studio. Financial aid programs and services assist students and families with paying for the cost of attendance. Students and their families must demonstrate financial need. Financial aid packages may consist of a combination of grants, scholarships, campus employment, and loans. All packages are tailored to meet each student's need. The Academy participates in various federal and state financial aid programs and offers a choice of payment plans as well as scholarship. Complete details regarding financial aid are available through the Financial Aid Office.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Spencer Tracy - Twice awarded Academy Awards for Best Actor - 1921 -
- Lauren Bacall - Received an Academy Award nomination and a Tony Award - 1942 -
- Grace Kelly - Academy Award for Best Actress in 1955 - 1947 -
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles cost?
American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles's private state tuition is approximately $30,650.
What is the acceptance rate of American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles?
The acceptance rate of American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles is 83%, which is higher than the state average of 82%.
Who are famous alumni from American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles?
American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles famous alumni include: Spencer Tracy - Twice awarded Academy Awards for Best Actor - 1921, Lauren Bacall - Received an Academy Award nomination and a Tony Award - 1942 and Grace Kelly - Academy Award for Best Actress in 1955 - 1947.
What is American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles's ranking?
American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles ranks among the top 20% of community college in California for: Diversity in US community colleges and Percent of students receiving financial aid.
In what neighborhood is American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles located?
American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles is located in the Central LA neighborhood of Los Angeles, CA. There are 1 other community '.college.' located in Central LA.
Recent Articles
Required Course Full? Avoid Community College Degree Delays
Learn how a full required course can delay graduation, how to navigate waitlists, and how to find approved alternatives that protect your community college degree timeline and financial aid eligibility.
Catalog-Year Rules: Community College Graduation Requirements
Understand how catalog years determine community college graduation requirements, how enrollment breaks and major changes affect eligibility, and what to verify before choosing courses or switching to a newer catalog.
What If Your Community College Program Closes?
Learn what happens when your community college discontinues your program before graduation, including teach-out options, credit transfers, financial aid implications, student protections, and practical steps to finish your degree successfully.
