Dance at University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
16 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
17
Optimistic
16
Base Case
14
Pessimistic
Earnings $19,787/yr (-12% vs median)
AI Risk Low (24% exposed)
Job Market Medium (11,500 openings/yr)
ROI 7.3x earnings multiple (2.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #35 of 62 Dance programs

Program Analysis

Your UCLA Dance degree offers a unique pathway, and the figures reflect the realities of a highly competitive, passion-driven field. Despite the university's elite standing, early-career earnings for dance graduates, even from such a prestigious program, often start lower than in other disciplines. This isn't a reflection on your talent or the program's quality, but rather the intense competition in the Los Angeles arts scene, where countless aspiring performers, choreographers, and educators vie for opportunities. Many graduates forge multifaceted careers, blending performance with teaching, arts administration, or movement therapy, often through a series of gigs rather than a single employer. However, your low AI risk score underscores the irreplaceable human element in dance—its creativity, physicality, and emotional depth are inherently resistant to automation. To thrive, leverage UCLA's unparalleled network and the city's vast performance opportunities. Actively seek out internships, collaborate widely, and develop entrepreneurial skills to manage your diverse career path, connecting with the many alumni who navigate this dynamic industry.

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 $397K $400K $382K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 7.2x 7.3x 6.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.2x 2.2x 2.1x
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)
$54,988
Out-of-state: $178,096 (2.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$56,052
-2% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,309
11.7 months of Year 1 earnings

About University of California-Los Angeles

Only 9% of applicants gain admission to University of California-Los Angeles, reflecting elite selectivity, with 33,040 students enrolled in Los Angeles, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Los Angeles →

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 of California-Los Angeles

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

How does University of California-Los Angeles's Dance program score?
This program scores 16/100 — on the lower end for Dance. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →