Dance at University of the Arts

Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
7 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
7
Optimistic
7
Base Case
5
Pessimistic
Earnings $14,033/yr (-38% vs median)
AI Risk Low (24% exposed)
Job Market Medium (11,500 openings/yr)
ROI 2.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #62 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 $442K $444K $419K
Earnings Multiple 2.0x 2.0x 1.9x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 35% 30%
DegreeOutlook Score 7 7 5

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$217,160
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$176,616
19% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
23.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$28,494
103% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $14,033/yr fall 38% below the $22,512 national median for Dance. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

An earnings multiple of 2.0x 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 $27,000 debt load exceeds a year of the $14,033 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

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

Earnings growth from $14,033 to $28,494 over five years (103% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About University of the Arts

University of the Arts has a 78% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a smaller institution with 1,064 students in Philadelphia, PA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of the Arts →

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 University of the Arts

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 University of the Arts's Dance program score?
This program scores 7/100 — on the lower end for Dance. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do University of the Arts Dance graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.9x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
Why are Dance earnings lower at University of the Arts?
Lower starting pay at University of the Arts may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →