Dance at The Juilliard School

New York, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
17 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
18
Optimistic
17
Base Case
16
Pessimistic
Earnings $14,220/yr (-37% vs median)
AI Risk Low (24% exposed)
Job Market Medium (11,500 openings/yr)
ROI 1.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #32 of 62 Dance programs

Program Analysis

The financial outcomes for Juilliard Dance reflect the highly specialized and intensely competitive nature of professional performance arts. This program is designed to cultivate elite dancers for the world stage, and graduates often secure coveted roles in prestigious companies like Martha Graham Dance Company, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, or New York City Ballet. These demanding, full-time performance careers, while artistically unparalleled, typically offer more modest initial compensation, especially when balanced against the high cost of living in New York City. Your early career will likely prioritize artistic fulfillment and performance experience over immediate high earnings. Many dancers eventually transition into stable careers as choreographers, postsecondary instructors, or arts administrators, leveraging their exceptional training and network. When considering this path, understand you are investing in unparalleled artistic development and a world-class network, preparing for a fulfilling, albeit often financially challenging, performing career before transitioning to other stable roles.

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 $374K $378K $362K
Earnings Multiple 1.7x 1.7x 1.6x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 35% 30%
DegreeOutlook Score 18 17 16

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$226,200
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$151,612
33% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
22.8 months of Year 1 earnings

About The Juilliard School

With just 9% of applicants admitted, The Juilliard School ranks among the nation's most selective schools, with a smaller student body of 460 in New York, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $151,612 over four years — 33% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at The Juilliard School →

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

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Dance at The Juilliard School?
A score of 17/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Dance. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Is Dance at The Juilliard School worth the student debt?
Median debt of $27,000 against $14,220/yr starting salary means roughly 1.9 years of earnings go to repayment. That's above average — financial aid and loan terms matter here.
Can you still earn well with Dance from The Juilliard School?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →