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Dance at University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
22 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
23
Optimistic
22
Base Case
18
Pessimistic
Earnings $25,653/yr (14% vs median)
AI Risk Low (24% exposed)
Job Market Medium (11,500 openings/yr)
ROI 1.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #14 of 62 Dance programs Top 25%

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 $421K $423K $402K
Earnings Multiple 1.5x 1.6x 1.5x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 35% 30%
DegreeOutlook Score 23 22 18

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$272,948
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$127,708
53% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,875
7.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $25,653/yr, edging above the $22,512 national average for Dance — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

An earnings multiple of 1.6x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

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 $15,875 debt-to-$25,653 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #14 out of 62 programs, University of Southern California's Dance program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

About University of Southern California

University of Southern California admits 10% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, serving a student body of 20,817 in Los Angeles, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $127,708 over four years — 53% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Southern California →

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

Compare this program → View all 62 schools offering Dance →

Dance at Other Schools

Texas State University ($38,967) Stephen F Austin State University ($33,340) University of South Carolina-Columbia ($33,291) Oakland University ($31,999) University of Minnesota-Twin Cities ($31,597) California State University-Long Beach ($30,686) University of Iowa ($30,353) Texas Woman's University ($29,634)

Other Majors at University of Southern California

Computer Science ($137,284) Computer Software and Media Applications ($103,071) Real Estate ($98,763) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($89,684) Industrial Engineering ($87,807) Civil Engineering ($85,262) Mechanical Engineering ($83,356) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($80,508)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Dance trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Southern California's Dance program score?
This program scores 22/100 — on the lower end for Dance. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why does University of Southern California rank so high for Dance?
The #14 ranking out of 62 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
How affordable is Dance at University of Southern California after financial aid?
Sticker price is $272,948, but the average net cost is $127,708 — a 53% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →