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Cheapest Dance Colleges in Illinois

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Northwestern University stands out as an anomaly in Illinois Dance education, charging $27,143 after aid despite its elite 7.21% acceptance rate. This creates an unusual gap where the state's most selective program costs nearly twice as much as the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign at $15,201. Chicago's theater district and Second City comedy scene provide Dance graduates with performance opportunities beyond traditional venues, though earnings data shows starting salaries around $21,964.
5
Programs
$15,201 – $35,196
Net Price Range
$21,964
Avg. Program Earnings
68.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

5 Dance Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
2 $23,066 $37,300 38.3% 54.9%
3 $26,788 $32,520 48.5% 94.8%
4 $27,143 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
5 $35,196 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $20,000 cost difference between Illinois public and private Dance programs?

Public universities like University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign benefit from state funding, resulting in net costs around $15,201. Private institutions such as Loyola University Chicago reach $35,196 after aid, reflecting higher operational costs and smaller endowments per student.

How do acceptance rates vary among affordable Dance programs in Illinois?

Columbia College Chicago accepts 94.77% of applicants with a net cost of $26,788, making it highly accessible. Northwestern University represents the opposite extreme at 7.21% acceptance, while University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign maintains moderate selectivity at 44.82%.

Is graduation rate connected to program cost in Illinois Dance schools?

Higher-cost programs show stronger completion rates, with Northwestern University achieving 95.90% graduation compared to Columbia College Chicago's 48.50% rate. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign combines affordability with an 84.90% graduation rate, offering the best value proposition.

More Dance Rankings

Best Value Dance in Illinois Dance Under $20,000 in Illinois

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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.