Danceat CUNY Lehman College
Graduates earn $27,843/yr in their first year — about 24.0% above the national Dance average. Base-case 10-year earnings $432K; scenarios range from $409K to $430K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at CUNY Lehman College
Lehman's Dance program truly stands out, reflecting the unparalleled opportunities available in its New York City locale. Your strong earning potential isn't just about performance; it’s a testament to the vast, interconnected arts ecosystem here. NYC is a global hub for dance, creating high demand for versatile artists who can perform, choreograph, teach in K-12 schools and community programs, and contribute to arts administration within numerous non-profits and cultural institutions.
This environment fosters a "portfolio career" approach, where you can blend performing gigs with teaching residencies or administrative roles. Lehman's graduates benefit from direct access to a dense network of companies, studios, and educational organizations actively seeking local talent. To truly leverage this advantage, immerse yourself in the city's diverse dance scene early on, seeking out internships and networking with professionals across all facets of the industry.
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 CUNY Lehman College'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 CUNY Lehman College stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at CUNY Lehman College
Other highest-scoring programs offered at CUNY Lehman College, 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 CUNY Lehman College
How does CUNY Lehman College's Dance program score?
This program scores 26/100 — on the lower end for Dance. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why does CUNY Lehman College rank so high for Dance?
The #9 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.
How affordable is Dance at CUNY Lehman College after financial aid?
Sticker price is $29,640, but the average net cost is $13,928 — a 53% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.