Dance at University of Florida

University of Florida's dance program starts graduates at a sobering $16,639—nearly $5,000 below the national median and placing this among the lowest-earning dance programs nationally. That said, relative to other Florida dance programs, UF actually sits at the 60th percentile, meaning most in-state alternatives fare no better. The real story here is the trajectory: earnings jump 67% by year four to $27,822, eventually surpassing both state and national averages.

The concerning piece is the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.99—essentially a full year's starting salary in debt, though at $16,500, the absolute debt burden is manageable compared to the $25,000 national average. This is a highly selective institution (24% admission rate), so students are trading top-tier academic credentials for entry-level earnings that will require significant hustle—likely piecing together gigs, teaching positions, or arts administration work—during those critical early years.

For parents, this boils down to whether you can financially support your child through a lean first few years while they build their career. The strong earnings growth suggests UF grads eventually find their footing, but year one will be financially tight. If your student is genuinely committed to dance and needs to stay in Florida, UF offers comparable outcomes to FSU at lower debt. Just be prepared for those lean early years.