Best Value Dance Colleges in Texas

Texas dance programs show remarkable cost efficiency, with The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offering the state's most affordable path at just $6,500 net cost while graduates earn $26,933 annually. The earnings gap between highest and lowest performing programs spans nearly $20,000, from Sam Houston State's $23,456 to Texas State's $42,682. Public universities dominate the value equation, with 13 of 15 programs charging under $21,000 annually. Texas Woman's University stands out with graduates earning $41,937 despite a net cost of only $10,948. The state's entertainment industry benefits from major venues like the Fort Worth Ballet and Houston Ballet, plus theme parks and cruise lines that create steady demand for trained dancers. With graduation rates ranging from 37% at Lamar to 87% at UT Austin, choosing the right program balance of cost and completion support proves important for career success.

Programs

$6,500 – $41,778

Net Price Range

$31,186

Avg. Program Earnings

60.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

15 Dance Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Edinburg, Texas	$6,500	$26,933	$9,859	49.3%	87.7%
2	Texas Woman's University Denton, Texas	$10,948	$41,937	$8,648	44.2%	93.6%
3	Texas State University San Marcos, Texas	$16,438	$42,682	$11,450	56.2%	87.7%
4	University of North Texas Denton, Texas	$14,352	$28,960	$11,164	59.6%	79.1%
5	Sam Houston State University Huntsville, Texas	$16,025	$23,456	$9,228	55.1%	84.6%
6	The University of Texas at Austin Austin, Texas	$19,678	$26,896	$11,678	87.6%	31.4%
7	Texas Christian University Fort Worth, Texas	$33,531	$27,439	$57,220	85.6%	56.1%
8	University of Houston Houston, Texas	$13,853		$9,711	64.9%	66.2%
9	Lamar University Beaumont, Texas	$11,429		$8,690	37.2%	83.7%
10	University of St Thomas Houston, Texas	$18,762		$33,660	68.6%	96.7%
11	Southern Methodist University Dallas, Texas	$41,778		$64,460	83.3%	52.3%
12	Stephen F Austin State University Nacogdoches, Texas	$15,152		$10,600	51.7%	89.5%
13	The University of Texas at El Paso El Paso, Texas	$10,726		$9,744	45.9%	99.9%
14	Texas Tech University Lubbock, Texas	$20,071		$11,852	67.5%	67.3%
15	West Texas A & M University Canyon, Texas	$20,841		$9,101	47.3%	91.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Texas dance programs good value compared to national averages?

Texas public universities keep costs low while maintaining solid earning potential for graduates. The state's top value pick, UT Rio Grande Valley, costs just $6,500 annually with graduates earning $26,933. Even Texas Woman's University, with graduates earning $41,937, charges only $10,948 net cost. This compares favorably to national dance program averages where similar earnings often require much higher tuition investments.

How do graduation rates affect the value equation for Texas dance programs?

Graduation rates vary dramatically from 37% at Lamar University to 87% at UT Austin, directly impacting program value. Texas State University offers strong middle ground with a 56% graduation rate and the state's highest dance earnings at $42,682. Programs like University of North Texas balance solid completion rates (59%) with moderate costs ($14,352), making them safer investments than low-cost options with poor graduation outcomes.

Is private school tuition justified for dance majors in Texas?

Private programs like Southern Methodist University charge $41,778 annually but don't deliver proportionally higher earnings, with graduates earning similar amounts to much cheaper public options. Texas Christian University costs $33,531 with graduates earning $27,439, barely above UT Rio Grande Valley's $26,933 despite being five times more expensive. Public universities clearly provide better return on investment for dance education in Texas.

Where do Texas dance graduates find the best earning opportunities?

Texas State University graduates earn the highest salaries at $42,682, followed closely by Texas Woman's University at $41,937. The state's major metropolitan areas like Houston, Dallas, and Austin offer performance opportunities with ballet companies, theme parks, and entertainment venues. Regional employers include the Houston Ballet, Fort Worth Ballet, and numerous dance studios that value graduates from established Texas programs with strong industry connections.

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