Skip to main content

Dance Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

The CUNY system delivers strong value for dance students, with Hunter College offering the nation's lowest net cost at just $2,446 annually while maintaining a 61% graduation rate. California State schools provide another strong option, with Fullerton graduates earning $20,140 within six years of completion. Dance programs under $20,000 span from specialized conservatory-style training to full university experiences, reflecting the field's growth as regional theaters, dance companies, and arts education programs expand nationwide. The American Dance Festival and major performing arts centers create steady demand for graduates across performance, choreography, and teaching roles. Net costs range from $2,446 to $10,011, with most public universities offering in-state tuition below $8,000. Programs like University of Florida combine affordability with strong outcomes, graduating 91.5% of students while maintaining highly selective 23% acceptance rates. Regional campuses of major universities often provide the same degree credentials at reduced costs, though graduation rates vary significantly from 12% to 91% depending on program structure and student support services.
50
Programs
$2,446 – $13,726
Net Price Range
$22,976
Avg. Program Earnings
53.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Dance Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,446 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
2 $2,943 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
3 $3,482 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
4 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
5 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
6 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
7 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
8 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
9 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
10 $6,007 $7,001 25.6% 45.0%
11 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
12 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
13 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
14 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
15 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
16 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
17 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
18 $8,463 $6,270 40.7%
19 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
20 $10,011 $9,142 50.1% 85.3%
21 $10,043 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
22 $10,170 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
23 $10,512 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
24 $10,722 $6,391 43.0%
25 $10,726 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
26 $10,916 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
27 $10,948 $8,648 44.2% 93.6%
28 $10,988 $10,986 46.2% 87.5%
29 $10,997 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
30 $11,298 $6,007 41.7% 89.5%
31 $11,429 $8,690 37.2% 83.7%
32 $11,432 $6,770 59.0% 83.9%
33 $11,732 $13,971 38.7% 90.1%
34 $11,750 $15,265 87.6% 23.7%
35 $11,877 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
36 $12,280 $14,014 44.6% 66.4%
37 $12,372 $9,477 79.2% 31.8%
38 $12,599 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
39 $12,837 $11,988 55.9% 69.5%
40 $12,840 $14,237 86.0% 21.2%
41 $12,882 $7,424 50.1% 94.2%
42 $12,932 $11,238 53.1% 93.1%
43 $13,024 $6,360 43.6% 55.2%
44 $13,172 $9,315 63.9% 89.1%
45 $13,181 $12,186 62.6% 72.8%
46 $13,485 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
47 $13,584 $14,694 56.9% 90.1%
48 $13,670 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
49 $13,707 $14,170 76.6% 68.7%
50 $13,726 $8,834 56.0% 89.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY schools so affordable for dance students?

CUNY colleges offer net costs between $2,446 and $3,486, making them the most affordable dance programs nationally. Hunter College leads with the lowest cost at $2,446 while maintaining a strong 61% graduation rate. These schools benefit from substantial state funding and serve primarily local students, keeping costs down while providing access to New York's dance scene and professional opportunities.

How do graduation rates vary among affordable dance programs?

Graduation rates span dramatically from 12% to 91.5% across programs under $20,000. University of Florida achieves the highest rate at 91.5% with selective 23% admission standards. Regional campuses like Ohio University-Chillicothe show much lower rates around 12-20%, while full state universities typically graduate 50-70% of dance majors.

Where do dance graduates earn the highest starting salaries?

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley graduates earn $26,933 within six years, the highest among affordable programs. University of Florida follows at $24,035, while California State Fullerton graduates earn $20,140. These earnings reflect regional job markets, with Texas and Florida offering growing arts sectors and educational opportunities for dance professionals.

Does attending a regional campus affect degree quality?

Regional campuses offer the same degree as main campuses but often have different program structures and resources. Ohio University's regional campuses show graduation rates between 12-20% compared to higher rates at full universities. Students receive identical credentials but may have fewer performance opportunities and smaller faculty-to-student ratios.

Is California State University system competitive for dance admissions?

California State schools maintain high acceptance rates between 66-95%, making them accessible options for dance students. Cal State Fresno accepts 95% of applicants while Fullerton admits 67%, both offering strong programs with graduation rates around 55-69%. These schools balance accessibility with quality training at net costs under $6,000 annually.

More Dance Rankings

Cheapest Dance Best Value Dance

Related

All Dance Programs All College Rankings Highest-Paying Majors 2026

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.