The NYCDA Teach-Out Plan and Closing FAQ
The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts Teach-Out Plan Information
Updated August 12, 2025
Please scroll down to the end of this FAQ page for information on the Teach-Out Agreements with American Academy of Dramatic Arts and Five Towns College, as well as other opportunities.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
On June 3, 2025, the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts announced its decision to end its NAST Accredited course offerings effective in the 2025-2026 school year. Classes and all operations continue as normal through August 31, 2025, the end of the 2024-2025 academic year.
We know news of the closure has been extremely difficult for our community, and we understand the importance of addressing potential questions and concerns as thoroughly as possible.
This document addresses questions about how the closure impacts New York Conservatory students and alumni, and shares the Conservatory’s Teach-Out Plan for current students required and pending final approval by The National Association of Schools of Theatre. If you have a question not answered below, please contact Bryce Russell, Senior Director of Enrollment, at brussell@nycda.edu for academic matters and Lisa Knott, CEO at lknott@nycda.edu for operational matters.
GENERAL INFORMATION
When is the NYCDA campus closing?
The New York Conservatory’s campus will close at the end of the 2024-2025 academic year for our Spring Start cohort on August 31, 2025. The last day of classes will be August 29, 2025.
Why is the NYCDA campus closing?
The Board of Trustees made this decision after careful consideration of all possible alternatives, recognizing that the landscape of higher education has meaningfully changed since the pandemic. Enrollments are down across the country and national birthrate calculations and other key data show that colleges, especially smaller institutions, must adapt to changing conditions.
After a thorough evaluation of our enrollment and financial forecasts, the Board of Trustees determined that no longer offering our performing arts programs is the best course of action.
What does the closure of the NYCDA campus mean for the Conservatory as an institution?
The New York Conservatory will close its accredited training course offerings at the end of the 2024-2025 academic year.
Will degrees and certificates from The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts be recognized after the closure?
Yes, degrees earned at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts are always valid since the Conservatory is a fully accredited institution of higher education. The Conservatory’s courses are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre.
CURRENT STUDENT INFORMATION
Campus Operations
Will the New York Conservatory campus continue to operate throughout the 2024-2025 academic year?
Yes, classes and all operations, including academic support, counseling services, production services, residence life, and student services, will continue through the end of the Spring Start cohort’s 2024- 2025 academic year on August 31, 2025.
Degree Completion
Plus-One Degree Program Students
Will new Plus-One Degree Program students be able to complete their second Associates Degree program this year?
No, new Plus-One Degree Program students will not be able to complete their second Associates Degree program at NYCDA, which was scheduled to start on September 8, 2025.
If you have applied for the Plus One Program, or are interested in pursuing another program, the New York Film Academy has developed options for you. Learn more HERE.
Second-Year Students
Will current second-year students be able to complete their Associate of Occupational Studies (“AOS”) degrees at NYCDA this year?
No, current second-year students will not be able to complete the AOS degree during the 2025-2026 academic year at The New York Conservatory, as course offerings will be closed before the scheduled start of the 2025-2026 academic school year which was scheduled to start on September 8, 2025. The New York Conservatory is coordinating a teach-out program plan for all students who would have begun their classes at NYCDA in the Fall of 2025.
Incoming First-Year Students
Will new/incoming first-year students be able to attend The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts in Fall 2025?
No, new/incoming first-year students will not be able to begin an AOS degree during the 2025-2026 academic year at The New York Conservatory, as course offerings will be closed before the scheduled start of the 2025-2026 academic school year which was scheduled to start on September 8, 2025. The New York Conservatory is coordinating a teach-out program plan for all students who would have begun their classes at NYCDA in the Fall of 2025.
Current First-Year Spring-Start Students
Will current first-year Spring-Start students be able to complete their first year AOS degree courses in the Summer of 2025?
Yes, current first-year Spring-Start students may continue courses to complete their first year at The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts this summer. The NYCDA’s closing date is set for after the summer classes are completed.
International Students
International students should contact the Admissions Department at admissions@nycda.edu to discuss their specific circumstances.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 Students: NYCDA is working with American Academy of Dramatic Arts to transfer over your OPT status. The AADA PDSO will be contacting all current OPT students and those that have applied for OPT. If you have not already applied for OPT, and are eligible, the AADA PDSO can assist with your application.
Transfer to Teach-Out Institutions or Other Institutions
As a standard requirement for campus closures, the Conservatory has established teach-out agreements with local institutions to provide additional options for degree completion.
What is a teach-out agreement?
A teach-out agreement is a formal agreement between colleges allowing students to complete their programs or courses at a different institution when a branch campus or institution closes. The teach-out institution is another college in the New York City Area that is designated through a teach-out agreement to enable students to complete their degrees. As required, NYCDA has established teach-out agreements with the American Academy for Dramatic Arts.
The agreements ensure that NYCDA students in good standing will be admitted with no transfer application fees; that students can expect a cost of attendance that is the same, or less than, but not greater than, the cost of attendance at NYCDA; that earned credits will transfer to the institution; that the remaining credits needed to complete a similar degree are specified; and that the timeframe to complete the degree will be reasonably similar to what students had expected at NYCDA.
Information about transferring to a teach-out institution or to another institution will be emailed to first-year students and provided at the transfer assistance events that will be scheduled in the next few weeks. If interested in a teach-out institution, students may contact Admissions at admissions@nycda.edu for more information, and students will also be referred to staff at those institutions.
If students attend a teach-out institution, will their degree still be from NYCDA?
No, the degree will be awarded by the teach-out institution.
If I do not wish to continue to the second year in New York City, am I obligated to enroll at one of NYCDA’s teach-out partner institutions?
No. While students are not obligated to enroll at a NYCDA teach-out partner, the teach-out agreements were established to help students with a smooth transition to complete their education without interruption.
Are parents of students able to get information about the teach-out or transfer process?
NYCDA staff and faculty will be happy to speak with any parent about their student’s options. For NYCDA to be able to share specific information about a student’s situation, parents must ensure their student completes a FERPA waiver. The form can be obtained from the Registrar Office.
ACADEMIC RECORDS
What will happen to all student records, and how can students or graduates request transcripts?
NYCDA uses the industry standard for secure transcript ordering and delivery. Transcript requests must be submitted through the National Student Clearinghouse Transcript Services (NSCH) https://tsorder.studentclearinghouse.org/school/select. Transcripts can be ordered and delivered to anyone via secure PDF within minutes of your order. Before August 29, 2025, you may also request paper copies that can be sent via mail or held to be picked up at the Conservatory’s offices no later than August 29, 2025. You will need your student ID number or social security number to place your order.
As of August 29, 2025, NYCDA has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Five Towns College to ensure that transcripts can continue to be easily issued to students and alumni.
Official transcripts should continue to be requested through the National Student Clearinghouse. Click here to access the online ordering center: https://tsorder.studentclearinghouse.org/school/select.
If there are any questions, please feel free to reach out to Registrar@FTC.edu.
How can a potential employer or other entity verify a degree or dates of attendance?
Degree and attendance verification will be performed through the Registrar’s Office at registrar@nycda.edu through August 31, 2025. Information on obtaining that information after August 31, 2025, will be updated here as the information becomes available.
I just graduated in May; how do I get my diploma?
Printed diplomas are being shipped during the next few weeks. Contact the Registrar’s Office at registrar@nycda.edu directly if you have not received your diploma by July 15, 2025.
CLOSED SCHOOL DISCHARGE PROCESS
What is the closed school discharge rule?
If your school closed and you meet the eligibility requirements for a closed school discharge, you will qualify for a discharge automatically one year after your school closes. If you believe that you are entitled to a loan discharge due to the closure of the school please review the eligibility requirements and application instructions here: https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/closed-school
Students eligible for refunds of monies paid directly to NYCDA due to closure are being contacted individually by the Bursar. All refunds will be considered and processed prior to the official closure date. Academic and housing deposits are being transferred to the teach-out school selected by the student.
TRANSFER ASSISTANCE
Transfer Assistance with the Director of Enrollment at NYCDA
We know each student’s situation is unique. You can schedule a 1:1 meeting with our Director of Enrollment, Bryce Russell, to get help exploring your options and creating a plan that works for you.
To book a meeting with Bryce:
1. Visit : https://apply.nycda.edu/portal/FA25_counseling
2. Select a time
3. You’ll receive a confirmation and Zoom link for your session
TEACH-OUT PLANS AND SCHOOL INFORMATION
American Academy of Dramatic Arts
NYCDA has established a teach-out agreement with the American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA). Materials outlining AADA’s options are available. Please see the NYCDA/AADA Brochure HERE.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 Students: NYCDA is working with American Academy of Dramatic Arts to transfer over your OPT status. The AADA PDSO will be contacting all current OPT students and those that have applied for OPT. If you have not already applied for OPT, and are eligible, the AADA PDSO can assist with your application.
Five Towns College
NYCDA has also established a teach-out agreement with Five Towns College. Please see information about their programs HERE. To further assist students during this transition, Five Towns College is prepared to assign dedicated Admissions Counselors to guide NYCDA transferring students through every step of the process. Learn more on the Five Towns College/NYCDA dedicated landing page, where students can request more information: https://www.ftc.edu/new-york-conservatory-for-dramatic-arts/.
Other Opportunities
Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts
Learn about the courses offered at Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts in Norwalk, CT.
Neighborhood Playhouse
Learn about the courses offered at Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City, “The Home of the Meisner Technique”
Point Park University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts
Learn about the courses offered at Point Park University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts in Pittsburgh, PA.
New York Film Academy
Learn about the courses offered at New York Film Academy.
New York Film Academy has worked to create a smooth transition for NYCDA students to transfer credits from NYCDA into NYFA degree and certificate programs. Learn more HERE.
If you have applied for the Plus One Program at NYCDA, or are interested in pursuing an additional program, the New York Film Academy has developed options for you. Learn more HERE.
Students have received an email with detailed information on IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL INFO SESSIONS with the above noted institutions.
If you need additional assistance please send your request to announcements@nycda.edu.