Dance at George Mason University

George Mason's dance program produces earnings that should alarm any parent considering the investment. At $12,409 one year after graduation, graduates earn less than half what dance majors typically make in Virginia ($20,397) and rank in just the 10th percentile statewide. For context, nearby Radford University's dance graduates earn more than twice as much at $26,476. The $25,975 in median debt—roughly average for dance programs—becomes particularly problematic when paired with earnings this low, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio above 2:1.

The small sample size here is crucial to acknowledge. With fewer than 30 graduates in this cohort, these numbers could shift dramatically with just a few data points. Perhaps this particular year captured students who pursued additional training, took gap years, or otherwise delayed career entry. But even accounting for statistical noise, these outcomes sit at the very bottom of both state and national distributions.

Unless your child has already secured post-graduation opportunities or plans to pursue graduate study immediately, this program carries substantial financial risk. The combination of below-market earnings and meaningful debt load creates a challenging starting point. If dance at GMU remains the goal, insist on a clear conversation about career planning and consider whether the debt can be reduced through scholarships, part-time work, or graduating early.