by our College Data Analytics Team
[Dance](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/dance/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 7 schools to find the best return on investment for dance students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in dance, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked New Jersey City University the best value for a degree in dance in New Jersey. Set in the city of Jersey City, New Jersey City University is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,460. Dance graduates carry a median of $22,107 in student loans. Early-career dance graduates make about $47,083. That is a strong return on a $22,107 median debt. New Jersey City University admits about 98% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Montclair State University earned it the #2 place for dance. Located in the suburb of Montclair, Montclair State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. Typical student debt for dance graduates is $27,000. Dance graduates of Montclair State University earn a median of $23,191 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Montclair State University admits about 88% of applicants.
A rank of #3 makes Rutgers University New Brunswick one of the best values for dance. Located in the city of New Brunswick, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $17,929, compared with $37,441 for out-of-state students. Dance graduates carry a median of $26,879 in student loans. Early-career dance graduates make about $58,402. Set against $26,879 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rutgers University New Brunswick admits about 58% of applicants.
A rank of #4 makes Rider University one of the best values for dance. Rider University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Lawrenceville. Students from in state pay about $41,120 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,241 to complete the dance program here. Soon after graduation, dance degree recipients from Rider University generally make around $24,515. Set against $26,241 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rider University admits about 79% of applicants.
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The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 7 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.