Dance at Loyola Marymount University

With only about 30 graduates tracked, LMU's dance program shows earnings that lag behind both the California median ($24,087) and most comparable programs—graduates here earn roughly $5,000 less in their first year than peers at Cal State Long Beach or UC Irvine. The debt burden of $24,250 isn't dramatically higher than state norms, but when stacked against that $19,107 first-year salary, it creates real financial pressure during those early career years when most dancers are hustling between gigs, teaching classes, and working side jobs.

The 89% earnings jump by year four suggests those who stay in the field do find their footing, reaching $36,140—well above typical first-year numbers for dance grads anywhere. But ranking in just the 25th percentile both nationally and statewide means three-quarters of dance programs are launching graduates into better initial earning positions. At a selective private university charging corresponding tuition, that's a tough pill to swallow when public alternatives like the Cal State system are outperforming on outcomes.

The small sample size matters here—a few graduates landing commercial dance work or pivoting to higher-paying adjacent fields could swing these numbers significantly. But based on available evidence, families should plan for a financially rocky start and have serious conversations about whether LMU's specific dance training, location advantages in LA's entertainment industry, or network access justify the premium over proven state school alternatives.