Circle in the Square Theatre School
Circle in the Square Theatre School is a private nonprofit university in New York, NY earning an overall grade of Unranked, enrolling about 39 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 8.0%. Students most often pursue Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft.
Day to day, students benefit from a 4:1 student-faculty ratio. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $28,089, about $11,091 more than the national median. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $39,899. That's about $3,789 below national results. It's well-suited to ambitious students who thrive in an elite, research-powered setting and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Circle in the Square Theatre School has an acceptance rate of 8.0%, annual tuition of $25,610, and average net price of $28,089, with about 39 undergraduates, and median earnings of $39,899 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is Circle in the Square Theatre School Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Circle in the Square Theatre School's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Program Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time certificate-seeking students.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $25,610 |
| Books and Supplies | $600 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $41,990 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 10.0% of Circle in the Square Theatre School students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Use Circle in the Square Theatre School's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $39,899
- 10-Year Median Earnings $39,899
- Average Years to Graduate 1.0 years
- Average Student Debt $20,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 45.0%
- Employment Rate Not reported
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Circle in the Square Theatre School graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Circle in the Square Theatre School vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Circle in the Square Theatre School's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Circle in the Square Theatre School's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 39
- Full-Time Students 100.0%
- Part-Time Students 0.0%
- Retention Rate Not reported
- Graduation Rate Not reported
- Student-Faculty Ratio 4:1
How to Get Into Circle in the Square Theatre School
1. Meet Program Requirements: Circle in the Square Theatre School focuses on practical skills and career readiness. Review the specific program requirements, which may include a high school diploma or equivalent, and any prerequisite coursework.
2. Prepare for Your Program: Focus on demonstrating your interest in the field and readiness for hands-on training. Some programs may require interviews or portfolio submissions.
3. Understand Admissions: Trade and certificate programs typically have open or moderately selective admissions focused on program fit rather than academic competition.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 8.0% acceptance rate, Circle in the Square Theatre School is extremely selective. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their class. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Circle in the Square Theatre School undergraduates. Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft draws the most students.
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft 100.0%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Certificate Programs
- 1. Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft $16,830
Program Choice Matters: Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Circle in the Square Theatre School. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, 15 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (1 program)▼
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 39
- Full-Time Students 100.0%
- Part-Time Students 0.0%
- Male Students 38.5%
- Female Students 61.5%
- Caucasian 33.3%
- Asian 5.1%
- Hispanic 2.6%
- Black 12.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients 10.0%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Circle in the Square Theatre School's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Circle in the Square Theatre School's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
EDsmart Insight: Circle in the Square Theatre School has a diverse student body, with 33.3% identifying as White. Women make up 61.5% of undergraduates. About 10.0% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Our Take
Circle in the Square Theatre School offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 0.0% ROI. Ranked #9999 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $28,089 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $39,899 median earnings. With 0.0% graduating within six years and 0.0% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Circle in the Square Theatre School's Positioning
With a Unranked grade and #9999 ranking, Circle in the Square Theatre School competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $28,089 annually, Circle in the Square Theatre School charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 0.0% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $19,662 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 0.0% ROI and $39,899 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $18,089+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Circle in the Square Theatre School ranks #9999 of 6101 institutions, with 0 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- Median earnings of $39,899 run about 9% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $28,089 is roughly $10,692 higher than the national median of $17,397.
- 4:1 student-faculty ratio keeps advising personal and discussion-sized.
- 8.0% admission rate signals a welcoming, mission-driven review process.
Helpfulness for Students
- 4:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- Career coaching and alumni mentoring help learners convert classes into early job offers.
- Career coaching and alumni mentoring help learners convert classes into early job offers.
- Average net price of $28,089 is about $10,692 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 10.0% trails the national share by 29.1 points, so equity work remains important.
- 48.0% of students borrow federal loans, outpacing typical campuses and raising repayment stakes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Circle in the Square Theatre School—a private nonprofit university in New York, NY—at Unranked overall. Grades by category break down as Completion Unranked, Support Unranked, Career Outcomes Unranked, and Affordability Unranked.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Review the cost and aid tables for a full picture of value.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $28,089 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $41,990.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $13,901 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $20,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 10.0% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $39,899 six years after enrollment. This is roughly 9% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment figures are not reported, so explore departmental job placement stories.
Use the ROI table above to estimate how long it may take to recoup your degree costs.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
8.0% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Circle in the Square Theatre School admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Circle in the Square Theatre School's acceptance rate?
Circle in the Square Theatre School's acceptance rate is 8.0%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Circle in the Square Theatre School cost?
At Circle in the Square Theatre School, listed tuition and fees are $25,610 per year, and the average net price after aid is $28,089. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What are Circle in the Square Theatre School's job outcomes?
Graduates of Circle in the Square Theatre School report median earnings of $39,899 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Circle in the Square Theatre School's student population?
Circle in the Square Theatre School enrolls about 39 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 1633 Broadway, New York, NY 10019-6795
- Website www.circlesquare.org
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationNational Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST)