Danceat Stephen F Austin State University
Graduates earn $33,340/yr in their first year — about 48.0% above the national Dance average. Base-case 10-year earnings $454K; scenarios range from $428K to $453K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Stephen F Austin State University
You've noticed Stephen F. Austin's Dance program stands out, and that's often due to its practical focus within a strong regional demand. While not a major performance hub, East Texas and the broader state market have a consistent need for skilled dance educators and community arts leaders. Programs like SFA's often excel by blending rigorous performance training with robust pedagogical preparation, equipping you to not only dance but also to teach and choreograph.
This dual emphasis makes graduates highly employable, particularly in K-12 schools, private studios, and community college arts departments across Texas. You'll likely find opportunities shaping young dancers or directing local productions, rather than solely pursuing competitive professional performance. To maximize your potential, actively seek out internships or student teaching placements early in your degree; building those professional connections will be invaluable for securing your first role.
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 Stephen F Austin 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 Stephen F Austin State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Stephen F Austin State University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Stephen F Austin 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 Stephen F Austin State University
How does Stephen F Austin State University's Dance program score?
This program scores 29/100 — on the lower end for Dance. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why does Stephen F Austin State University rank so high for Dance?
The #3 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.