Dance at University of North Carolina School of the Arts

Winston Salem, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
15 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
16
Optimistic
15
Base Case
14
Pessimistic
Earnings $14,201/yr (-37% vs median)
AI Risk Low (24% exposed)
Job Market Medium (11,500 openings/yr)
ROI 10.0x earnings multiple (3.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #42 of 62 Dance programs

Program Analysis

The University of North Carolina School of the Arts offers a rigorous, conservatory-style dance education focused on artistic excellence and performance. While UNCSA holds a strong reputation in the arts world, a career in professional dance, whether as a performer, choreographer, or educator, often means navigating a highly competitive and financially demanding landscape. Many graduates build "portfolio careers," blending performance contracts with teaching roles, fitness instruction, or arts administration to create a sustainable income. You'll find opportunities in dance companies, independent projects, and arts education, but these roles frequently involve contract work or non-profit salaries rather than high-earning corporate paths. To thrive, you’ll need to combine your artistic passion with strong business acumen and a realistic financial plan from the outset. Consider how you might diversify your skills or niche down early.

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 $377K $362K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.9x 10.0x 9.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.4x 3.5x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 36% 35% 30%
DegreeOutlook Score 16 15 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)
$37,908
Out-of-state: $108,844 (3.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$49,488
-31% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,454
19.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$21,890
54% growth from Year 1

About University of North Carolina School of the Arts

University of North Carolina School of the Arts admits 33% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, a smaller institution with 902 students in Winston Salem, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at University of North Carolina School of the Arts →

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 North Carolina School of the Arts

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 University of North Carolina School of the Arts?
A score of 15/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Dance. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Is Dance at University of North Carolina School of the Arts worth the student debt?
Median debt of $22,454 against $14,201/yr starting salary means roughly 1.6 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 University of North Carolina School of the Arts?
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 →