Dance at Ohio State University-Main Campus

Ohio State's dance program shows a challenging first year—graduates earn just $21,167 initially—but the trajectory improves dramatically, with earnings jumping 85% to $39,174 by year four. That puts graduates roughly on par with the national median initially but pulls ahead over time. Within Ohio, this program ranks in the 60th percentile, meaning it outperforms most in-state alternatives. The $26,000 debt load is close to national norms for dance programs, though a debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.23 means graduates owe more than they make in that first year.

The real question is whether your student can handle lean early years while building a career. Dance is notoriously difficult financially at the start, but Ohio State's relatively strong placement—at a flagship university with broad alumni networks—appears to help graduates transition better than many peers. The dramatic earnings growth suggests graduates find pathways beyond performance (arts administration, teaching, corporate work) that pay more sustainably.

The small sample size here (under 30 graduates) means a few outliers could skew these numbers significantly. Still, for an Ohio resident considering dance programs in-state, Ohio State represents a middle-to-upper-tier choice. Just ensure your child understands they'll likely need financial support or side work during those early career years, as the first-year earnings barely cover basic living expenses.