Cheapest Dance Colleges in Pennsylvania

Swarthmore College offers the most affordable Dance program option in Pennsylvania with a net cost of just $18,686, despite its sticker price exceeding $62,000. This creates an unusual gap where the state's most selective dance program (accepting only 6.93% of applicants) costs less out-of-pocket than public alternatives. Net costs across Pennsylvania's 18 dance programs range from Swarthmore's $18,686 to Drexel's $38,428, creating a $19,742 spread between the cheapest and most expensive options. Pennsylvania's growing entertainment industry, anchored by Philadelphia's theater district and Pittsburgh's film production sector, provides dance graduates with opportunities beyond traditional performance venues. Healthcare giants like UPMC increasingly incorporate movement therapy and wellness programs, expanding career paths for dance majors into therapeutic and corporate wellness roles.

Programs

$18,686 – $44,154

Net Price Range

$24,432

Avg. Program Earnings

72.4%

Avg. Graduation Rate

18 Dance Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Swarthmore College Swarthmore, Pennsylvania	$18,686	$62,412	94.1%	6.9%
2	Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania	$19,524	$10,507	65.9%	74.3%
3	La Roche University Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	$21,972	$33,120	57.7%	97.4%
4	Seton Hill University Greensburg, Pennsylvania	$22,558	$41,414	71.0%	78.3%
5	Cedar Crest College Allentown, Pennsylvania	$22,909	$44,934	58.2%	84.3%
6	Point Park University Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	$24,791	$38,160	59.6%	82.1%
7	Eastern University Saint Davids, Pennsylvania	$25,885	$37,420	56.0%	63.2%
8	Mercyhurst University Erie, Pennsylvania	$27,263	$44,510	58.7%	80.6%
9	Messiah University Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania	$27,686	$40,640	78.5%	79.4%
10	Temple University Philadelphia, Pennsylvania	$29,219	$22,082	74.7%	79.7%
11	Muhlenberg College Allentown, Pennsylvania	$30,314	$60,240	80.2%	65.5%
12	DeSales University Center Valley, Pennsylvania	$30,465	$44,800	71.0%	77.2%
13	Ursinus College Collegeville, Pennsylvania	$30,485	$59,196	76.6%	82.2%
14	Dickinson College Carlisle, Pennsylvania	$32,191	$63,475	83.4%	34.9%
15	Drexel University Philadelphia, Pennsylvania	$38,428	$60,663	77.1%	79.6%
16	Franklin and Marshall College Lancaster, Pennsylvania	$39,061	$68,380	86.0%	36.2%
17	Bryn Mawr College Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania	$40,690	$62,560	85.6%	30.8%
18	University of the Arts Philadelphia, Pennsylvania	$44,154	$54,290	69.2%	80.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Swarthmore College's dance program so affordable despite its high sticker price?

Swarthmore's generous financial aid brings the net cost down to $18,686, even though tuition and fees total $62,412. The college meets 100% of demonstrated financial need without loans for most students. This makes it more affordable than many public options, including Slippery Rock University's $19,524 net cost. The combination of substantial endowment resources and need-blind admissions creates this unusual pricing advantage.

How do earnings vary among Pennsylvania dance program graduates?

Dance graduates from Pennsylvania schools earn between $19,227 and $35,420 annually, showing significant variation across programs. Point Park University graduates average $19,227, while Muhlenberg College graduates earn $35,420, creating a $16,193 gap. Temple University graduates fall in the middle at $21,052 annually. These differences often reflect program focus, with some emphasizing performance while others incorporate business, therapy, or education components.

Is the debt burden manageable for dance majors in Pennsylvania?

Most reporting schools show average debt loads around $27,000, which aligns with national averages for undergraduate borrowing. Mercyhurst University graduates carry slightly less at $26,500, while several programs maintain the $27,000 level. Given that dance graduates typically earn $19,227 to $35,420 annually, debt-to-income ratios remain within manageable ranges. Many programs also emphasize internships and work-study opportunities that can reduce borrowing needs.

Where do the most affordable public dance programs rank in terms of quality?

Slippery Rock University, the most affordable public option at $19,524 net cost, maintains a solid 65.90% graduation rate and accepts 74.33% of applicants. Temple University, while more expensive at $29,219 net cost, offers a stronger graduation rate of 74.70% and similar selectivity at 79.70% acceptance. Both provide access to major metropolitan dance scenes, with Temple connecting to Philadelphia's theater district and Slippery Rock serving western Pennsylvania's growing arts community.

More Dance Rankings

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

All Dance Programs Best Colleges in Pennsylvania Best Dance in Pennsylvania

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