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The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers Texas dancers the state's most affordable program at just $6,500 net cost, while Southern Methodist University charges $41,778 for the same degree. This $35,000 gap reflects a broader pattern where public institutions deliver dance education at a fraction of private costs. Texas Woman's University graduates earn $41,937 annually, the highest among affordable options, demonstrating strong career outcomes at lower price points. The state's thriving arts scene, anchored by Dallas Theater Center and Houston Ballet, creates steady demand for trained performers and choreographers. Texas dance graduates earn between $23,456 and $42,682 annually, with many finding opportunities in the state's growing entertainment and tourism sectors.
15
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 In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
2 $10,726 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
3 $10,948 $8,648 44.2% 93.6%
4 $11,429 $8,690 37.2% 83.7%
5 $13,853 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
6 $14,352 $11,164 59.6% 79.1%
7 $15,152 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
8 $16,025 $9,228 55.1% 84.6%
9 $16,438 $11,450 56.2% 87.7%
10 $18,762 $33,660 68.6% 96.7%
11 $19,678 $11,678 87.6% 31.4%
12 $20,071 $11,852 67.5% 67.3%
13 $20,841 $9,101 47.3% 91.6%
14 $33,531 $57,220 85.6% 56.1%
15 $41,778 $64,460 83.3% 52.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Texas Woman's University stand out among affordable dance programs?

Texas Woman's University graduates earn $41,937 annually while maintaining a net cost of just $10,948. This strong earning potential, combined with manageable student debt averaging $21,280, creates an attractive return on investment. The university accepts 93.63% of applicants and maintains a 44.20% graduation rate.

How do public university dance programs compare to private options in Texas?

Public universities offer significantly lower costs, with eight schools under $17,000 net price compared to three private institutions charging $18,762 to $41,778. The University of Texas at Austin combines public affordability at $19,678 net cost with the highest graduation rate at 87.60%. Private schools like University of St Thomas achieve strong graduation rates of 68.60% but cost nearly double most public options.

Is Texas State University worth the higher cost among public schools?

Texas State University charges $16,438 net cost but delivers the highest graduate earnings at $42,682 annually. Students graduate with $20,500 in debt on average, well below the state median. The university maintains a 56.20% graduation rate and accepts 87.70% of applicants, making it accessible yet academically solid.

Where can dance students find the most generous acceptance rates in Texas?

The University of Texas at El Paso accepts 99.92% of applicants while charging only $10,726 net cost, making it highly accessible. West Texas A&M University and University of St Thomas also maintain acceptance rates above 91%. These open-access policies help students enter dance programs without intense competition typical at selective arts schools.

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