Compare 88 Dance. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $35,328. Top programs: $60,188+.
Dance programs produce graduates earning between $45,108 and $60,188—a $15K spread across 88 ranked programs that reveals why program selection matters independently of school prestige. A regional public in Iowa outranks nationally recognized conservatories, and a Texas state university beats private institutions charging three times as much. In dance, the program drives outcomes, not the name on the diploma.
The University of Iowa leads all 88 programs, with dance graduates earning $60,188—well above the $35,328 national average. Close behind, Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches delivers $57,593, outperforming better-known private institutions. The Juilliard School, ranked 10th, produces graduates earning $50,287—respectable, but trailing three regional public universities. Prestige doesn't predict outcomes here.
For students borrowing independently, University of Iowa and California State University-Long Beach both carry just an 8.2% payment burden, landing firmly in the 'Good' affordability tier on student debt of $22,500 and $14,289 respectively. For families factoring in parent loans, Texas Woman's University leads with a 15.6% family burden—'Manageable' compared to Hofstra's 47.4% or Fordham's 37.5%. Who's paying shapes which program is truly the best deal. [Learn how to evaluate programs beyond school prestige →](https://collegeazimuth.com/blog/how-to-evaluate-programs)
Highest program earnings: $60,188
Strong outcomes ($60,188) with 84% acceptance rate
8.2% payment burden | Good - payment 8-12% of discretionary
15.6% family burden | Manageable - payment 12-18% of discretionary
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University Of IowaPublic | $60,188 | 16 | $22,500 | Good | $27,975 | Challenging |
| #2 | $57,593 | 17 | $23,409 | Good | $18,080 | Manageable | |
| #3 | Muhlenberg CollegePrivate | $56,503 | 24 | $25,455 | Good | $48,779 | High |
| #4 | $55,274 | 15 | $21,500 | Good | $31,393 | Challenging | |
| #5 | Texas Woman's UniversityPublic | $53,072 | 24 | $19,218 | Good | $13,471 | Manageable |
| #6 | Texas State UniversityPublic | $53,057 | 41 | $21,000 | Good | $22,500 | Challenging |
| #7 | $51,744 | 40 | $22,750 | Good | $48,666 | High | |
| #8 | $51,736 | 31 | $21,500 | Good | $25,294 | Challenging | |
| #9 | Chapman UniversityPrivate | $50,612 | 45 | $20,500 | Good | $44,954 | High |
| #10 | The Juilliard SchoolPrivate | $50,287 | 21 | $25,500 | Manageable | $38,466 | High |
| #11 | $49,423 | 14 | — | — | — | — | |
| #12 | $49,063 | 15 | $19,250 | Good | $23,211 | Challenging | |
| #13 | $48,568 | 27 | $21,983 | Good | $19,433 | Challenging | |
| #14 | $48,518 | 11 | $21,500 | Good | $19,809 | Challenging | |
| #15 | Hofstra UniversityPrivate | $48,086 | 17 | $23,621 | Manageable | $56,149 | High |
| #16 | $48,069 | 11 | $19,500 | Good | $25,729 | High | |
| #17 | Fordham UniversityPrivate | $47,036 | 25 | $24,300 | Manageable | $37,095 | High |
| #18 | $46,387 | 46 | $14,289 | Good | $15,177 | Challenging | |
| #19 | $45,804 | 12 | $17,500 | Good | $18,275 | Challenging | |
| #20 | $45,108 | 16 | $26,188 | Manageable | $22,488 | High | |
| #21 | $45,084 | 23 | $22,858 | Manageable | $14,638 | Challenging | |
| #22 | $44,858 | 11 | $13,993 | Good | $26,465 | High | |
| #23 | $44,627 | 8 | $15,371 | Good | $19,732 | Challenging | |
| #24 | $43,987 | 19 | $19,500 | Manageable | $23,519 | High | |
| #25 | East Carolina UniversityPublic | $42,785 | 13 | $22,750 | Manageable | $19,710 | 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 May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
