2026 Best Dance Schools
Looking for the best Dance programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 364 colleges by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor analyzed schools to compile this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Dance Schools in the United States
Explore the leading schools below:
Duke University tops our 2026 ranking of the best Dance programs schools in the United States. Based in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. Duke University graduates 97% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,758. Graduates carry a median of $13,296 in student loans. More on Duke University
Out of the 364 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Emory University landed the #2 spot. Based in Atlanta, GA, Emory University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,280. Graduates carry a median of $19,431 in student loans. More on Emory University
Northwestern University came in at #3 on this year's Dance ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Evanston, IL. Northwestern University graduates 95% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,322. Northwestern University Dance students take on a median of $16,616 in debt. Read more about Northwestern University
You'll be in good company at The Juilliard School, which ranked #4 this year. Located in New York, NY, The Juilliard School is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $57,950 in tuition and fees. The median Dance program debt is $27,000. More on The Juilliard School
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best Dance schools. Located in Eau Claire, WI, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 65%. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,642, with out-of-state students paying around $19,228. Graduates carry a median of $22,574 in student loans. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #7 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Madison, WI. About 90% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. The median Dance program debt is $21,813. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
Texas State University San Marcos ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best Dance schools. Set in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. Texas State University San Marcos posts a six-year graduation rate of 55%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $22,930. The median Dance program debt is $22,500. Read more about Texas State University San Marcos
University Of Georgia placed #9 among Dance schools in the United States. This public school is set in Athens, GA. University Of Georgia posts a six-year graduation rate of 90%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,792 in student loans. Get the full University Of Georgia report
University Of California Berkeley ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best Dance schools. This public school is set in Berkeley, CA. About 93% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. University Of California Berkeley Dance students take on a median of $14,238 in debt. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
Skidmore College came in at #11 in this year's ranking. Located in Saratoga Springs, NY, Skidmore College is a private not-for-profit institution. Skidmore College posts a six-year graduation rate of 83%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,140. Typical Dance student debt is $18,274. Get the full Skidmore College report
Columbia University In The City Of New York ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best Dance schools. Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. Columbia University In The City Of New York graduates 96% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,517. Students borrow a median of $23,258 to complete their Dance program here. See the full Columbia University In The City Of New York profile
Southern Methodist University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best Dance schools. Located in Dallas, TX, Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Southern Methodist University posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,040. Graduates carry a median of $20,712 in student loans. See the full Southern Methodist University profile
Muhlenberg College placed #14 among Dance schools in the United States. Muhlenberg College is a private not-for-profit school based in Allentown, PA. Roughly 82% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,805. Muhlenberg College Dance students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. See the full Muhlenberg College profile
New York University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best Dance schools. Set in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 88% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $62,796 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,004 in student loans. Read the full report on New York University
The Ailey School came in at #16 in this year's ranking. Set in New York, NY, The Ailey School is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,817. The Ailey School Dance students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. More on The Ailey School
University Of Washington Seattle Campus placed #17 among Dance schools in the United States. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Typical Dance student debt is $16,481. See the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus profile
University Of Southern California did well this year, earning the #18 position. Based in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 92%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $71,647. Students borrow a median of $15,875 to complete their Dance program here. More on University Of Southern California
Goucher College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best Dance schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Baltimore, MD. Goucher College graduates 57% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,350. Typical Dance student debt is $25,406. Get the full Goucher College report
Texas Tech University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best Dance schools. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Texas Tech University graduates 69% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Texas Tech University Dance students take on a median of $24,271 in debt. More on Texas Tech University
University Of Iowa did well this year, earning the #21 position. Based in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. University Of Iowa graduates 75% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $11,283 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. Students borrow a median of $24,375 to complete their Dance program here. See the full University Of Iowa profile
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best Dance schools. This public school is set in Ann Arbor, MI. About 93% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,848, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. Typical Dance student debt is $19,137. More on University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Messiah College did well this year, earning the #23 position. Located in Mechanicsburg, PA, Messiah College is a private not-for-profit institution. Messiah College posts a six-year graduation rate of 75%. Students from in state pay about $42,240 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,195 to complete their Dance program here. See the full Messiah College profile
Washington University In St Louis did well this year, earning the #24 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in St. Louis, MO. Washington University In St Louis posts a six-year graduation rate of 94%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,790. Typical Dance student debt is $17,553. See the full Washington University In St Louis profile
University Of South Carolina Columbia ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best Dance schools. University Of South Carolina Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, SC. About 79% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $12,688, with out-of-state students paying around $36,298. Graduates carry a median of $24,472 in student loans. More on University Of South Carolina Columbia
University Of Maryland College Park came in at #26 in this year's ranking. Based in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. University Of Maryland College Park posts a six-year graduation rate of 89%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,809, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. University Of Maryland College Park Dance students take on a median of $20,836 in debt. More on University Of Maryland College Park
Rest of the Top 50 Best Dance Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also made the top of the list:
Texas Christian University came in at #27 in this year's ranking. Based in Fort Worth, TX, Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,740. Typical Dance student debt is $22,960. More on Texas Christian University
American University did well this year, earning the #28 position. Located in Washington, DC, American University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 76% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,771. Graduates carry a median of $24,139 in student loans. Read the full report on American University
Texas Womans University came in at #29 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Denton, TX. The six-year graduation rate is 49%. In-state tuition and fees average $8,640, compared with $18,480 for out-of-state students. Typical Dance student debt is $21,953. Get the full Texas Womans University report
Loyola Marymount University came in at #30 in this year's ranking. Set in Los Angeles, CA, Loyola Marymount University is a private not-for-profit institution. Loyola Marymount University graduates 79% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $61,867 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $24,250 in student loans. More on Loyola Marymount University
University Of Florida landed the #31 spot in the United States this year. Based in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. About 91% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Students borrow a median of $16,500 to complete their Dance program here. See the full University Of Florida profile
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities landed the #32 spot in the United States this year. Located in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Dance program here. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Arizona State University placed #33 among Dance schools in the United States. This public school is set in Tempe, AZ. About 68% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Students borrow a median of $23,393 to complete their Dance program here. Read more about Arizona State University
University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #34 spot in the United States this year. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Roughly 67% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. The median Dance program debt is $22,386. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
San Jose State University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best Dance schools. This public school is set in San Jose, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 69%. Students from in state pay about $8,410 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. See the full San Jose State University profile
Minnesota State University Mankato did well this year, earning the #36 position. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. Minnesota State University Mankato posts a six-year graduation rate of 54%. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best Dance schools. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public school based in Stevens Point, WI. About 56% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,228, while out-of-state students pay about $18,248. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania placed #38 among Dance schools in the United States. Located in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Roughly 66% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $10,568 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,676. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Get the full Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania report
University Of California Santa Barbara placed #39 among Dance schools in the United States. Set in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. About 83% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $15,444 in tuition and fees, compared with $47,332 for out-of-state students. University Of California Santa Barbara Dance students take on a median of $15,501 in debt. See the full University Of California Santa Barbara profile
Colorado State University Fort Collins did well this year, earning the #40 position. Located in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. About 66% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,373, compared with $35,061 for out-of-state students. The median Dance program debt is $22,843. Read the full report on Colorado State University Fort Collins
Hofstra University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best Dance schools. Located in Hempstead, NY, Hofstra University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. In-state tuition and fees run about $57,660. The median Dance program debt is $26,000. Read the full report on Hofstra University
St Olaf College ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best Dance schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Northfield, MN. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. In-state tuition and fees run about $59,760. St Olaf College Dance students take on a median of $24,507 in debt. See the full St Olaf College profile
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus placed #43 among Dance schools in the United States. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public school based in Cincinnati, OH. Roughly 74% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,363, compared with $28,697 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,530 to complete their Dance program here. Read the full report on University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #44 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Austin, TX. The University Of Texas At Austin posts a six-year graduation rate of 89%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. The median Dance program debt is $21,275. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin
West Texas A And M University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best Dance schools. Set in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. About 48% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,101, while out-of-state students pay about $10,996. Typical Dance student debt is $22,333. Read more about West Texas A And M University
University Of California Irvine placed #46 among Dance schools in the United States. Based in Irvine, CA, University Of California Irvine is a public institution. University Of California Irvine graduates 87% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,752, while out-of-state students pay about $46,640. University Of California Irvine Dance students take on a median of $20,080 in debt. Get the full University Of California Irvine report
Tulane University Of Louisiana came in at #47 in this year's ranking. Based in New Orleans, LA, Tulane University Of Louisiana is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. In-state tuition and fees average $68,678. The median Dance program debt is $22,077. Read more about Tulane University Of Louisiana
George Washington University did well this year, earning the #48 position. Located in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. Students from in state pay about $67,710 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,910 to complete their Dance program here. Read the full report on George Washington University
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #49 in this year's ranking. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign graduates 85% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. The median Dance program debt is $19,061. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
Lindenwood University placed #50 among Dance schools in the United States. Based in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 49% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,600. The median Dance program debt is $28,663. See the full Lindenwood University profile
Grand Valley State University landed the #51 spot in the United States this year. Based in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is a public institution. Roughly 67% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,502, while out-of-state students pay about $21,894. Grand Valley State University Dance students take on a median of $26,378 in debt. Read the full report on Grand Valley State University
Best Dance Schools by Degree Level
See the best schools at each degree level:
- Best Dance Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Dance Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Dance Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Dance Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Dance Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Dance Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Dance Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 364 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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