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2026 Best Value General Dance Schools in California
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in general dance, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value General Dance Schools
For return on investment in general dance, no school beat California State University Fullerton this year. Located in the suburb of Fullerton, California State University Fullerton is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,470, with out-of-state students paying around $20,070. General Dance graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Early-career general dance graduates make about $24,087. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%.
California State University Long Beach is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general dance, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Long Beach, California State University Long Beach is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,374, compared with $19,974 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general dance graduates is $20,500. General Dance graduates of California State University Long Beach earn a median of $30,686 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted.
University Of California Irvine is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general dance, landing the #3 spot this year. University Of California Irvine is a very large public school located in the city of Irvine. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,752, compared with $46,640 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general dance graduates is $20,080. Early-career general dance graduates make about $28,112. That is a strong return on a $20,080 median debt. University Of California Irvine admits about 29% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in general dance will find it at University Of California Riverside, which ranked #4. Set in the city of Riverside, University Of California Riverside is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,636, while out-of-state students pay about $46,524. Typical student debt for general dance graduates is $19,187. Soon after graduation, general dance degree recipients from University Of California Riverside generally make around $40,040. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Riverside admits about 76% of applicants.
University Of California Santa Barbara came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value general dance schools. Located in the suburb of Santa Barbara, University Of California Santa Barbara is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,444, compared with $47,332 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general dance graduates is $15,501. Soon after graduation, general dance degree recipients from University Of California Santa Barbara generally make around $45,488. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 33% of applicants are accepted.
ADBLOCK #101
University Of California Los Angeles landed the #6 spot for general dance value this year. University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public school located in the city of Los Angeles. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Typical student debt for general dance graduates is $19,309. Early-career general dance graduates make about $19,787. Set against $19,309 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted.
Saint Marys College Of California landed the #7 spot for general dance value this year. Set in the suburb of Moraga, Saint Marys College Of California is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $57,803. General Dance graduates carry a median of $25,041 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general dance degree recipients from Saint Marys College Of California generally make around $70,806. That is a strong return on a $25,041 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Southern California earned the #8 position for value in general dance this year. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $71,647 in tuition and fees. General Dance graduates carry a median of $15,875 in student loans. General Dance graduates of University Of Southern California earn a median of $25,653 early in their careers. Set against $15,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 10% of applicants are accepted.
Loyola Marymount University landed the #9 spot for general dance value this year. Loyola Marymount University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Los Angeles. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,867. Students borrow a median of $24,250 to complete the general dance program here. Soon after graduation, general dance degree recipients from Loyola Marymount University generally make around $19,107. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 45%.
California Institute Of The Arts earned the #10 position for value in general dance this year. California Institute Of The Arts is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Valencia. Students from in state pay about $58,996 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,031 to complete the general dance program here. Soon after graduation, general dance degree recipients from California Institute Of The Arts generally make around $22,475. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 32% of applicants are accepted.
[General Dance](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/dance/general-dance/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
