Dance at Dean College

Dean College's dance program outperforms most competitors in a field where low starting earnings are the norm. At $24,236 in year one, graduates earn more than the national median for dance programs ($21,878) and rank in the 66th percentile nationally—meaning they're doing better than roughly two-thirds of dance programs nationwide. Within Massachusetts, they sit comfortably above the state median of $23,614, placing in the 60th percentile among the dozen schools offering this degree in the state.

The real story here is the earnings trajectory: graduates see 31% income growth by year four, reaching $31,753. That's substantial momentum in a field where many programs plateau earlier. The debt load of $27,000 is manageable relative to first-year earnings (1.11 ratio), and it's actually below average compared to other dance programs nationally—Dean ranks in the 5th percentile for debt, meaning 95% of similar programs saddle students with more.

For parents of a serious dance student, this represents one of the stronger investment options in the field. You're getting above-average starting outcomes with below-average debt, plus meaningful earning potential as graduates establish themselves. The moderate sample size suggests consistent placement, not a fluke year. Just recognize that even "good" dance program outcomes mean your child will likely need financial support early in their career or plan for supplemental income streams.