Danceat Ball State University
Graduates earn $28,838/yr in their first year — about 28.0% above the national Dance average. Base-case 10-year earnings $436K; scenarios range from $413K to $434K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Ball State University
The strong outcomes for Ball State's Dance program suggest a curriculum that effectively balances artistic development with practical career readiness. While Muncie isn't a global dance capital, the program likely leverages its public university structure to connect you with opportunities in regional arts education, community programs, and local performance circuits. This often includes robust training in pedagogy, preparing you for roles like postsecondary instruction or K-12 arts teaching, which tend to offer more stable income streams than a purely performance-based career, especially early on. The low AI risk further underscores the human-centric, creative nature of these professions. You'll likely benefit from a strong alumni network in the Midwest, facilitating transitions into diverse roles beyond the stage. To maximize your potential, actively seek internships with local arts organizations or teaching opportunities during your studies to build a versatile portfolio.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Ball State University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Dance
How Ball State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Ball State University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Ball State University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Dance offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Dance trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Dance at Ball State University
How does Ball State University's Dance program score?
This program scores 25/100 — on the lower end for Dance. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why does Ball State University rank so high for Dance?
The #10 ranking out of 62 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.