2026 Best Value Dance Schools
Looking for the best-value Dance programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 364 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor analyzed schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Dance Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found Brigham Young University Idaho to be the best-value Dance school in the United States. Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit school based in Rexburg, ID. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,800. The median Dance program debt is $13,287. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,406. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Idaho admits about 96% of applicants. More on Brigham Young University Idaho
Out of the 364 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Scottsdale Community College landed the #2 spot. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Scottsdale Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,358, with out-of-state students paying around $8,959. The median Dance program debt is $13,084. Median earnings reach $47,905 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Scottsdale Community College profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Brigham Young University Provo earned it the #3 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Graduates carry a median of $12,184 in student loans. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,184 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo
West Texas A And M University came in at #4 on this year's best-value Dance ranking in the United States. Set in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,101, while out-of-state students pay about $10,996. Typical Dance student debt is $22,333. West Texas A And M University alumni report median earnings of $50,741 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on West Texas A And M University
A rank of #5 makes The Ailey School one of the best values in the United States. Located in New York, NY, The Ailey School is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,817. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $22,782 ten years out. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 32% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on The Ailey School
Austin Community College District ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Dance schools. This public school is set in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,550, compared with $10,590 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,519 in student loans. Austin Community College District alumni report median earnings of $43,177 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,519 median debt. Read the full report on Austin Community College District
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Dance schools. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public school based in Eau Claire, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,642, while out-of-state students pay about $19,228. The median Dance program debt is $22,574. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,561. Set against $22,574 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire has an acceptance rate of 82%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire profile
Youngstown State University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Set in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Youngstown State University Dance students take on a median of $26,373 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,544. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Youngstown State University admits about 84% of applicants. Read more about Youngstown State University
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Set in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,568 in tuition and fees, compared with $14,676 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,032 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania admits about 72% of applicants. Read the full report on Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Southern Mississippi landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Hattiesburg, MS, University Of Southern Mississippi is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,998, with out-of-state students paying around $11,998. The median Dance program debt is $25,415. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,140. That is a strong return on a $25,415 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Southern Mississippi
Texas Womans University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Texas Womans University is a public school based in Denton, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,640, while out-of-state students pay about $18,480. Students borrow a median of $21,953 to complete their Dance program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,544. That is a strong return on a $21,953 median debt. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Texas Womans University report
University Of Sacred Heart came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Based in Santurce, PR, University Of Sacred Heart is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,410. Students borrow a median of $14,493 to complete their Dance program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $31,754. Set against $14,493 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Sacred Heart has an acceptance rate of 58%. Read more about University Of Sacred Heart
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Based in Stevens Point, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,228, with out-of-state students paying around $18,248. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Dance program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,021. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point
Texas State University San Marcos placed #14 among the best-value Dance schools in the United States. Texas State University San Marcos is a public school based in San Marcos, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $22,930. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete their Dance program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,906. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Texas State University San Marcos
University Of Akron Main Campus placed #15 among the best-value Dance schools in the United States. This public school is set in Akron, OH. Students from in state pay about $13,135 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. University Of Akron Main Campus Dance students take on a median of $25,347 in debt. Median earnings reach $46,600 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Akron Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 60%. Get the full University Of Akron Main Campus report
Minnesota State University Mankato placed #16 among the best-value Dance schools in the United States. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. The median Dance program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile
Lindenwood University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Dance schools. Based in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $21,600. Lindenwood University Dance students take on a median of $28,663 in debt. Lindenwood University alumni report median earnings of $53,278 a decade after entry. Set against $28,663 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. More on Lindenwood University
Western Michigan University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Kalamazoo, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,987, while out-of-state students pay about $19,952. Typical Dance student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $53,562 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Western Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 85%. Get the full Western Michigan University report
San Jose State University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. San Jose State University alumni report median earnings of $78,988 a decade after entry. The acceptance rate is 85%. Get the full San Jose State University report
Cuny Queensborough Community College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Dance schools. Cuny Queensborough Community College is a public school based in Bayside, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,210, compared with $8,090 for out-of-state students. Cuny Queensborough Community College Dance students take on a median of $10,052 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,214 ten years out. Set against $10,052 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Cuny Queensborough Community College report
Grand Valley State University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Dance schools. Based in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,502, while out-of-state students pay about $21,894. Graduates carry a median of $26,378 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,118. Set against $26,378 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Grand Valley State University report
University Of South Florida Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Based in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,410, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Students borrow a median of $24,545 to complete their Dance program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,743. That is a strong return on a $24,545 median debt. About 43% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of South Florida Main Campus profile
Sam Houston State University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Located in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,228, with out-of-state students paying around $19,068. Typical Dance student debt is $26,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,211 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Sam Houston State University admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Sam Houston State University profile
Bridgewater State University placed #24 among the best-value Dance schools in the United States. Bridgewater State University is a public school based in Bridgewater, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,734, while out-of-state students pay about $17,874. The median Dance program debt is $26,632. Median earnings reach $57,466 ten years out. Set against $26,632 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Bridgewater State University report
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. This public school is set in Charlotte, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,239, while out-of-state students pay about $22,492. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte Dance students take on a median of $26,625 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,289. That is a strong return on a $26,625 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Dance Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
The University Of Texas Pan American came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Edinburg, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $9,799, while out-of-state students pay about $19,645. Graduates carry a median of $14,694 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,620 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas Pan American has an acceptance rate of 94%. Read more about The University Of Texas Pan American
Texas Tech University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Typical Dance student debt is $24,271. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,271 median debt. Texas Tech University has an acceptance rate of 73%. Get the full Texas Tech University report
San Diego Mesa College came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. San Diego Mesa College is a public school based in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $1,146, compared with $10,002 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $6,999 in student loans. Median earnings reach $45,120 ten years out. Set against $6,999 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about San Diego Mesa College
Eastern Michigan University placed #28 among the best-value Dance schools in the United States. Eastern Michigan University is a public school based in Ypsilanti, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,990. Eastern Michigan University Dance students take on a median of $28,781 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,793. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. See the full Eastern Michigan University profile
Cuny Lehman College placed #28 among the best-value Dance schools in the United States. Based in Bronx, NY, Cuny Lehman College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,410, with out-of-state students paying around $15,360. Graduates carry a median of $11,994 in student loans. Median earnings reach $58,013 ten years out. Set against $11,994 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Cuny Lehman College report
University Of Houston landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. University Of Houston Dance students take on a median of $21,255 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,377 ten years out. Set against $21,255 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Houston report
California State University Fullerton placed #32 among the best-value Dance schools in the United States. Set in Fullerton, CA, California State University Fullerton is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,470, compared with $20,070 for out-of-state students. The median Dance program debt is $25,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,951. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Fullerton admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full California State University Fullerton report
Grand Canyon University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Phoenix, AZ, Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,508. Students borrow a median of $30,027 to complete their Dance program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,186 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 79%. More on Grand Canyon University
Weber State University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Ogden, UT, Weber State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,557 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,545 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,176 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,287. Set against $19,176 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Weber State University profile
Florida State University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Dance schools. This public school is set in Tallahassee, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,517, compared with $21,683 for out-of-state students. The median Dance program debt is $21,706. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,675. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Florida State University admits about 24% of applicants. Read the full report on Florida State University
California State University Long Beach landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,374, compared with $19,974 for out-of-state students. The median Dance program debt is $20,500. California State University Long Beach alumni report median earnings of $64,403 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 46%. Read more about California State University Long Beach
Stephen F Austin State University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Stephen F Austin State University is a public school based in Nacogdoches, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,128, while out-of-state students pay about $20,968. The median Dance program debt is $31,000. Median earnings reach $49,634 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%. Read more about Stephen F Austin State University
University Of Georgia landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. University Of Georgia Dance students take on a median of $21,792 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,726. Set against $21,792 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Georgia
Suny College At Brockport ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Dance schools. Based in Brockport, NY, Suny College At Brockport is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,752, while out-of-state students pay about $15,822. Graduates carry a median of $24,190 in student loans. Suny College At Brockport alumni report median earnings of $54,496 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Suny College At Brockport has an acceptance rate of 71%. Read more about Suny College At Brockport
Valdosta State University landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Valdosta, GA, Valdosta State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,124 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,836. Typical Dance student debt is $28,661. Median earnings reach $49,361 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,661 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Valdosta State University report
Texas A And M University Corpus Christi ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Dance schools. This public school is set in Corpus Christi, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,748 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,794 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,508 to complete their Dance program here. Texas A And M University Corpus Christi alumni report median earnings of $51,865 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas A And M University Corpus Christi has an acceptance rate of 89%. See the full Texas A And M University Corpus Christi profile
University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. University Of Nebraska Lincoln Dance students take on a median of $22,386 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report
Suny At Fredonia offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Suny At Fredonia is a public school based in Fredonia, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,831, compared with $19,771 for out-of-state students. Suny At Fredonia Dance students take on a median of $25,806 in debt. Suny At Fredonia alumni report median earnings of $54,247 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read more about Suny At Fredonia
University Of North Texas landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,309, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. The median Dance program debt is $24,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,010 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of North Texas report
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Dance schools. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public school based in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,398, with out-of-state students paying around $22,398. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,990. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee has an acceptance rate of 91%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee profile
Montclair State University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Dance schools. This public school is set in Montclair, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,912, while out-of-state students pay about $26,022. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,415. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on Montclair State University
San Francisco State University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. San Francisco State University is a public school based in San Francisco, CA. Students from in state pay about $7,846 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,446 for out-of-state students. The median Dance program debt is $17,024. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,077. That is a strong return on a $17,024 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. Get the full San Francisco State University report
Cleveland State University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Cleveland, OH, Cleveland State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,982, while out-of-state students pay about $18,502. Graduates carry a median of $26,336 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,131. Set against $26,336 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Cleveland State University
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Dance schools. Located in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,363, compared with $28,697 for out-of-state students. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus Dance students take on a median of $23,530 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,810 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. Read more about University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
University Of Florida landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Graduates carry a median of $16,500 in student loans. University Of Florida alumni report median earnings of $71,588 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Florida admits about 24% of applicants. Read more about University Of Florida
Best Value Dance Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Dance Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Dance Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Dance Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Dance Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Dance Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Dance Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Dance Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 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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