Dance at University at Buffalo

Buffalo, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
16 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
17
Optimistic
16
Base Case
14
Pessimistic
Earnings $17,110/yr (-24% vs median)
AI Risk Low (24% exposed)
Job Market Medium (11,500 openings/yr)
ROI 9.0x earnings multiple (3.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #36 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 $386K $389K $372K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.9x 9.0x 8.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.2x 3.2x 3.0x
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)
$43,128
Out-of-state: $122,288 (3.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$81,880
-90% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,446
14.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $17,110 place University at Buffalo below the $22,512 national median for Dance — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

A 9.0x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 4% 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 1.2x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #36 ranking among 62 Dance programs places University at Buffalo in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About University at Buffalo

A 69% admission rate makes University at Buffalo accessible to a wide range of qualified students, serving a student body of 20,284 in Buffalo, NY.

See all programs and financial aid at University at Buffalo →

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 University at Buffalo

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 does a 16/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Dance at University at Buffalo?
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 University at Buffalo?
At $20,446 in median debt, graduates carry 14 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Is University at Buffalo a good choice for Dance despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University at Buffalo's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →