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 schools below stand out for delivering a strong dance education at a price that pays off.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 34 schools to find the best return on investment for dance students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the dance degrees they offer, see the list below.
Cuny Hunter College earned the #1 spot for value among dance schools in New York. Located in the city of New York, Cuny Hunter College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $7,382 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,332 for out-of-state students. Dance graduates carry a median of $11,091 in student loans. Early-career dance graduates make about $51,372. That is a strong return on a $11,091 median debt. Roughly 54% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #2 makes Cuny Lehman College one of the best values for dance. Set in the city of Bronx, Cuny Lehman College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,410, while out-of-state students pay about $15,360. Students borrow a median of $11,994 to complete the dance program here. Early-career dance graduates make about $27,843. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted.
Suny At Purchase College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in dance, landing the #3 spot this year. Suny At Purchase College is a mid-sized public school located in the suburb of Purchase. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,016, while out-of-state students pay about $19,266. Typical student debt for dance graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, dance degree recipients from Suny At Purchase College generally make around $12,039. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in dance will find it at University At Buffalo, which ranked #4. Set in the suburb of Buffalo, University At Buffalo is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,936, while out-of-state students pay about $31,536. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete the dance program here. Dance graduates of University At Buffalo earn a median of $17,110 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%.
Students looking for strong value in dance will find it at Adelphi University, which ranked #5. Located in the suburb of Garden City, Adelphi University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $48,775. Typical student debt for dance graduates is $25,487. Soon after graduation, dance degree recipients from Adelphi University generally make around $51,037. That is a strong return on a $25,487 median debt. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted.
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Pace University New York landed the #6 spot for dance value this year. Pace University New York is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of New York. In-state tuition and fees average $53,510. Dance graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career dance graduates make about $19,614. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.
New York University placed #7 among the best values for dance. Set in the city of New York, New York University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $62,796. Dance graduates carry a median of $23,004 in student loans. Dance graduates of New York University earn a median of $36,556 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,004 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%.
Hofstra University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value dance schools. Set in the suburb of Hempstead, Hofstra University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $57,660 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for dance graduates is $26,000. Soon after graduation, dance degree recipients from Hofstra University generally make around $55,705. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%.
The Ailey School landed the #9 spot for dance value this year. Located in the city of New York, The Ailey School is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,817. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete the dance program here. Dance graduates of The Ailey School earn a median of $13,598 early in their careers. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The Ailey School admits about 32% of applicants.
Marymount Manhattan College earned the #10 position for value in dance this year. Located in the city of New York, Marymount Manhattan College is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $41,870 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the dance program here. Soon after graduation, dance degree recipients from Marymount Manhattan College generally make around $21,880. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Marymount Manhattan College admits about 83% of applicants.
The Juilliard School placed #11 among the best values for dance. The Juilliard School is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of New York. In-state tuition and fees average $57,950. Dance graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career dance graduates make about $14,220. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 9%.
American Musical And Dramatic Academy landed the #12 spot for dance value this year. American Musical And Dramatic Academy is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of New York. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $46,928. Typical student debt for dance graduates is $27,000. Dance graduates of American Musical And Dramatic Academy earn a median of $15,881 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 24%.
Fordham University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value dance schools. Set in the city of Bronx, Fordham University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,470. Typical student debt for dance graduates is $26,000. Early-career dance graduates make about $20,381. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Fordham University admits about 59% of applicants.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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 · 34 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 14 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.