Danceat Loyola Marymount University
Graduates earn $19,107/yr in their first year — about 15.0% below the national Dance average. Base-case 10-year earnings $470K; scenarios range from $442K to $470K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Loyola Marymount University
Pursuing a dance degree at LMU means entering one of the most competitive, project-based labor markets, particularly in a hub like Los Angeles. The outcomes reflect the inherent financial instability of a performance or choreographic career, where income often comes from a mosaic of gigs, workshops, and short-term contracts rather than a single, stable employer. Even roles like postsecondary teaching often require extensive graduate study and fierce competition for tenure-track positions.
While LMU offers a rigorous artistic education and network, navigating the LA dance scene demands immense entrepreneurial spirit and a realistic financial strategy. Many graduates find themselves supplementing their artistic work with side jobs outside the field. As you consider this path, focus on building a versatile skillset and a robust financial plan: proactively explore minors or dual degrees that can offer a more stable income stream to support your artistic ambitions.
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 Loyola Marymount 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 Loyola Marymount University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Loyola Marymount University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Loyola Marymount 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 Loyola Marymount University
What does a 8/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Dance at Loyola Marymount University?
At 8/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Dance programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Dance degree from Loyola Marymount University?
At $22,750 in median debt, graduates carry 14 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Is Loyola Marymount University a good choice for Dance despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Loyola Marymount University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.