Danceat University of Southern California
Graduates earn $25,653/yr in their first year — about 14.0% above the national Dance average. Base-case 10-year earnings $423K; scenarios range from $402K to $421K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Southern California
Studying Dance at USC places you directly within Los Angeles, a global epicenter for the performing arts, entertainment, and commercial dance industries. This unique environment provides unparalleled access to professional opportunities, from major dance companies and Broadway productions to film, television, and extensive studio work. The program’s strong reputation and location mean you'll be taught by industry veterans and build connections crucial for your career. Graduates often find success not just as performers and choreographers, but also in teaching, arts administration, and even commercial ventures, leveraging a versatile skill set. Your low AI risk reflects the inherently human, expressive, and physical nature of dance. To maximize your prospects, actively engage with the vast LA dance community beyond campus and explore combining your artistic pursuits with entrepreneurial skills, as many successful dancers forge multi-faceted careers.
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 University of Southern California'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 University of Southern California stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Southern California
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Southern California, 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 University of Southern California
How does University of Southern California's Dance program score?
This program scores 22/100 — on the lower end for Dance. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why does University of Southern California rank so high for Dance?
The #14 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.
How affordable is Dance at University of Southern California after financial aid?
Sticker price is $272,948, but the average net cost is $127,708 — a 53% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.