Compare 9 Dance. programs in California. Average earnings: $27,135.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Dance programs tell a different story. Across 9 programs in California, earnings range from $17,572 to $36,920—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
California Institute of the Arts leads with Dance graduates earning $36,920, well above the $27,135 average. Close behind, Loyola Marymount ($36,140) and UC Riverside ($35,600) prove that program outcomes aren't determined by institutional prestige alone—specialized focus drives results.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. UC Riverside graduates face an 18.4% payment burden despite strong $35,600 outcomes, making it the most manageable option. CalArts leads in earnings but carries a 23.9% burden, showing why debt analysis matters as much as salary potential.
Highest program earnings: $36,920
Strong outcomes with 63% acceptance
18.4% payment burden | Challenging - payment 18-25% of discretionary
40.6% family burden | High burden - payment over 25% of discretionary
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $36,920 | 14 | $25,000 | Challenging | $60,000 | High | |
| #2 | Loyola Marymount UniversityPrivate | $36,140 | 15 | $19,500 | Challenging | $58,361 | High |
| #3 | $35,600 | 9 | $17,500 | Challenging | $18,275 | High | |
| #4 | Chapman UniversityPrivate | $29,661 | 31 | $20,500 | High | $44,954 | High |
| #5 | $25,653 | 16 | $18,000 | High | $31,803 | High | |
| #6 | $22,738 | 40 | $15,000 | High | $22,665 | High | |
| #7 | $20,140 | 34 | $13,750 | High | $16,538 | High | |
| #8 | $19,787 | 29 | $14,000 | High | $26,176 | High | |
| #9 | $17,572 | 34 | $14,289 | High | $15,177 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
