Dance at Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
14
Optimistic
13
Base Case
10
Pessimistic
Earnings
$21,540/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk
Low (24% exposed)
Job Market
Medium (11,500 openings/yr)
ROI
6.7x earnings multiple (5.4x out-of-state)
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 | $408K | $411K | $391K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 6.7x | 6.7x | 6.4x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 5.3x | 5.4x | 5.1x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 36% | 35% | 30% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 14 | 13 | 10 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$61,192
Out-of-state: $76,392 (5.4x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
15.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$25,211
17% growth from Year 1
About Western Michigan University
With 85% of applicants admitted, Western Michigan University prioritizes broad access, serving 12,704 students in Kalamazoo, MI.
See all programs and financial aid at Western Michigan University →Top Career Paths
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary
$80,190/yr
Choreographers
$55,600/yr
Dancers
N/A
Compare & Explore
Dance at Other Schools
Other Majors at Western Michigan University
Consider the Trade Route?
Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Dance at Western Michigan University?
A score of 13/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Dance. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Is Dance at Western Michigan University worth the student debt?
Median debt of $27,000 against $21,540/yr starting salary means roughly 1.3 years of earnings go to repayment. That's above average — financial aid and loan terms matter here.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →