Dance at Montclair State University

Montclair, NJ · Public · Bachelor's Degree
15 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
16
Optimistic
15
Base Case
11
Pessimistic
Earnings $23,191/yr (3% vs median)
AI Risk Low (24% exposed)
Job Market Medium (11,500 openings/yr)
ROI 7.1x earnings multiple (4.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #41 of 62 Dance programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Dance graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $419K $421K $400K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 7.1x 7.1x 6.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.3x 4.4x 4.1x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 35% 30%
DegreeOutlook Score 16 15 11

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$59,064
Out-of-state: $96,504 (4.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$56,636
4% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,776
13.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$27,863
20% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Montclair State University's Dance program produces graduates earning $23,191/yr — within striking distance of the $22,512 national average for this field.

At 7.1x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

With only 24% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 5%. Career paths for Dance are among the more automation-resistant we measure.

The $26,776 debt load exceeds a year of the $23,191 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #41 out of 62 programs, Montclair State University's financial outcomes for Dance trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $23,191 to $27,863 shows 20% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Montclair State University

A 87% acceptance rate means Montclair State University is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 17,677 students in Montclair, NJ. With 44% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Montclair State University →

Top Career Paths

Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary $80,190/yr
Choreographers $55,600/yr
Dancers N/A
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Dance at Other Schools

Other Majors at Montclair State University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Montclair State University's Dance program score?
This program scores 15/100 — on the lower end for Dance. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Montclair State University Dance graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.2x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →