Danceat University of the Arts
Graduates earn $14,033/yr in their first year — about 38.0% below the national Dance average. Base-case 10-year earnings $444K; scenarios range from $419K to $442K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of the Arts
The financial data here reflects the challenging reality many dance graduates face, particularly in the early stages of their careers. The performing arts, while incredibly rewarding, rarely offer a direct path to high immediate earnings. In a city like Philadelphia, which boasts a rich cultural scene, opportunities exist, but many dance roles are project-based, part-time, or involve extensive freelancing. Your degree will cultivate your artistic talent, but the market for full-time, well-compensated performance or choreography positions is exceptionally competitive. Many graduates find themselves piecing together income from teaching private lessons, studio work, arts administration, or even roles outside the arts to support their passion. To thrive, you'll need to be proactive in building a diverse skill set, perhaps exploring minors in arts management or education, and actively cultivating a robust professional network that extends beyond performance to secure a sustainable income stream.
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 the Arts'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 the Arts stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of the Arts
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of the Arts, 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 the Arts
How does University of the Arts's Dance program score?
This program scores 7/100 — on the lower end for Dance. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do University of the Arts Dance graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.9x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
Why are Dance earnings lower at University of the Arts?
Lower starting pay at University of the Arts may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.