Dance at Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree
16 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
17
Optimistic
16
Base Case
14
Pessimistic
Earnings $19,202/yr (-15% vs median)
AI Risk Low (24% exposed)
Job Market Medium (11,500 openings/yr)
ROI 12.3x earnings multiple (6.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #37 of 62 Dance programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Dance graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $453K $454K $428K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.3x 12.3x 11.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.9x 6.0x 5.6x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 35% 30%
DegreeOutlook Score 17 16 14

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$36,912
Out-of-state: $76,080 (6.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$64,100
-74% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
16.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$33,041
72% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $19,202/yr, roughly in line with the $22,512 national median for Dance. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 12.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 5% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most career paths mapped to Dance involve work that current AI cannot replicate.

At a 1.4x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #37 ranking among 62 Dance programs places Sam Houston State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $19,202-to-$33,041 earnings arc over five years reflects a 72% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University accepts 85% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 18,138 in Huntsville, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at Sam Houston State University →

Top Career Paths

Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary $80,190/yr
Choreographers $55,600/yr
Dancers N/A
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Dance at Other Schools

Other Majors at Sam Houston State University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 16/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Dance at Sam Houston State University?
At 16/100, 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 Sam Houston State University?
At $26,000 in median debt, graduates carry 16 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →