Degree Dividend
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American Musical and Dramatic Academy vs Clinton Community College: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, New York NY · vs · Public, Plattsburgh NY

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Clinton Community College comes closer — median earnings $39,246 against a $18,224 total, vs $26,975 at American Musical and Dramatic Academy. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureAmerican Musical and Dramatic AcademyClinton Community College
Net price / yr$41,416$9,112
Total net cost$165,664$18,224
Median earnings, 10 yrs$26,975$39,246
Median debt$15,250$13,250
Payback
20-year net return-$593,364-$200,504

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, American Musical and Dramatic Academy or Clinton Community College?

Clinton Community College, at $9,112 a year after aid versus $41,416 — a gap of $32,304 a year, or $147,440 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do American Musical and Dramatic Academy or Clinton Community College graduates earn more?

Clinton Community College graduates report a median $39,246 ten years after entry, $12,271 more than the $26,975 at American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, American Musical and Dramatic Academy or Clinton Community College?

Clinton Community College: its completers carry a median $13,250 in federal loans versus $15,250 at American Musical and Dramatic Academy, a difference of $2,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

72% of students finish at American Musical and Dramatic Academy, against 37% at Clinton Community College. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

American Musical and Dramatic Academy vs Clinton Community College: frequently asked questions

Is American Musical and Dramatic Academy or Clinton Community College a better value?
Clinton Community College comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, American Musical and Dramatic Academy or Clinton Community College?
Clinton Community College: $9,112/yr net price after aid versus $41,416/yr at American Musical and Dramatic Academy — a difference of $32,304 a year, or about $147,440 over four years.
Do American Musical and Dramatic Academy or Clinton Community College graduates earn more?
Clinton Community College graduates earn a median $39,246 ten years after entry, versus $26,975 at American Musical and Dramatic Academy — a $12,271 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.