Bachelor of Fine Arts [B.F.A] (Dance)
Field of Study:
$39,062 /Yr
Arizona State University Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance is a four-year professional dance training programme leading to a BFA degree. The curriculum combines classical and contemporary dance techniques with choreography, dance history, and performance opportunities. ASU requires international students to demonstrate strong academic credentials, English language proficiency, and significant dance experience via audition. Annual tuition for international students is US$33,139 (INR 31.56 Lakhs). The Spring 2027 intake is currently open to international applicants, with a final application deadline of 15 December 2026. The programme is delivered in-person at ASU’s Tempe campus in Arizona, USA.
This BFA Dance programme is designed for serious dancers committed to professional careers in dance, choreography, or arts administration. ASU’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts is nationally recognized for rigorous training in dance practice, creative scholarship, and collaborative performance. The curriculum emphasizes both classical foundations and contemporary innovation, preparing graduates for competitive careers in professional dance companies, educational institutions, and interdisciplinary arts. Ideal applicants demonstrate exceptional technical skill in at least one dance discipline, strong academic performance, clear artistic vision, and a willingness to engage with diverse movement vocabularies.
- Rigorous training combining classical ballet, modern, and contemporary dance methodologies with world-class faculty.
- Access to state-of-the-art dance studios, performance venues, and collaborative projects with other arts disciplines.
- Career preparation through internships, industry connections, and hands-on performance opportunities throughout the four-year programme.
Current Admission Status
Applications for the Spring 2027 intake are Open. International student deadline: 15 December 2026.
Indian applicants should note that ASU’s rolling admissions process means earlier applications receive priority review. Credential evaluation services like AICE or WES typically require 5-7 working days to process transcripts, so submit your application at least two weeks before the final deadline to allow time for document verification.
Also Check: ASU Dance Admission Requirements
Arizona State University Bachelor of Fine Arts Dance Fees and Living Costs 2027
International students at ASU pay significantly higher tuition than domestic students. The comprehensive cost breakdown includes tuition, mandatory health insurance, and ancillary fees charged each semester.
| Cost Component | Annual (USD) | Annual (INR) | Four-Year Total (USD) | Four-Year Total (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | US$33,139 | INR 31.56 Lakhs | US$132,556 | INR 1.26 Crore |
| Health Insurance (International) | US$2,750 | INR 2.62 Lakhs | US$11,000 | INR 10.48 Lakhs |
| Student Fees & Technology | US$550 | INR 5.24 Lakhs | US$2,200 | INR 20.96 Lakhs |
| Books & Course Materials | US$800 | INR 7.62 Lakhs | US$3,200 | INR 30.50 Lakhs |
| Annual Direct Costs | US$37,239 | INR 35.48 Lakhs | US$148,956 | INR 1.42 Crore |
All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.3 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily, verify before applying.
- Tuition increases annually at approximately 2.9 percent; budget accordingly for future years.
- Health insurance is mandatory for all international students and covers basic medical, emergency, and hospitalization costs.
- Technical and course materials costs are higher for dance majors due to required performance attire and specialized equipment.
- Indian applicants should factor in visa processing fees (approximately INR 1.5-2 Lakhs) and initial relocation costs (flights, housing deposits, SIM cards).
Cost of Living in Tempe for Bachelor of Fine Arts Dance Students
| Living Expense Category | Monthly Range (USD) | Monthly Range (INR) | Annual Range (USD) | Annual Range (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (Shared/Private) | US$800–US$1,200 | INR 76,240–INR 114,360 | US$9,600–US$14,400 | INR 91.48 Lakhs–INR 1.37 Crore |
| Food & Groceries | US$250–US$400 | INR 23,825–INR 38,120 | US$3,000–US$4,800 | INR 2.86 Lakhs–INR 4.58 Lakhs |
| Local Transport & Utilities | US$150–US$250 | INR 14,295–INR 23,825 | US$1,800–US$3,000 | INR 1.72 Lakhs–INR 2.86 Lakhs |
| Dining Out & Entertainment | US$200–US$350 | INR 19,060–INR 33,355 | US$2,400–US$4,200 | INR 2.29 Lakhs–INR 4.00 Lakhs |
| Total Monthly Living Costs | US$1,400–US$2,200 | INR 1.33 Lakhs–INR 2.10 Lakhs | US$17,400–US$27,000 | INR 16.59 Lakhs–INR 2.57 Crore |
Cost Reality for BFA Dancers: Tempe’s cost of living is moderate compared to coastal US cities, but dance students should budget for performance attire, dance shoes, and occasional travel to industry conferences or auditions, adding approximately US$50-100 monthly to the above estimates.
Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students
Arizona State University Bachelor of Fine Arts Dance Admission 2027
ASU’s BFA Dance programme has a competitive but achievable admission profile for well-qualified international applicants. The institution serves over 1,100 international students from 120 countries and maintains a 90 percent overall acceptance rate. However, admission to the BFA Dance programme specifically is more selective due to limited enrollment in the performance-intensive curriculum.
| Intake | Application Opens | Application Closes | Status for International Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 | 1 August 2026 | 15 December 2026 | Open |
| Fall 2027 (Expected) | 1 August 2027 | 15 January 2028 | Not Yet Open |
Academic Eligibility Criteria
ASU’s standard admission requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent qualification. International students with different credential structures must obtain credential evaluation through services like AICE, WES, or ECE.
| Academic Requirement | Minimum Threshold | Competitive Range |
|---|---|---|
| High School GPA (or equivalent) | 3.0 unweighted | 3.3–3.7 |
| Standardized Test (SAT/ACT) | Not required | SAT 1100+ (if submitted) |
| Dance Experience | Minimum 5 years formal training | 8+ years; multiple disciplines |
| Audition Portfolio | Mandatory video audition (15 minutes) | Live audition preferred (US$75 registration) |
English Language Proficiency (ELP)
All international students whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency through standardized testing. ASU accepts three pathways for international applicants.
- TOEFL iBT: minimum overall score of 61, with component minimums of 14 (reading), 12 (listening), 18 (speaking), 17 (writing); prepare for 6-8 weeks of focused study if taking this route.
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 5.5, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band; this test is more accessible than TOEFL for Indian students due to wider availability and the familiar British English focus.
- Duolingo English Test: minimum score of 95; this is the fastest pathway, with scores available within 48 hours, making it ideal if your deadline is tight.
Tip for Indian Applicants: IELTS is the most commonly selected pathway among Indian students applying to ASU because test centres are ubiquitous across India and the cost (approximately INR 15,000) is lower than TOEFL. Most competitive applicants score between 6.5 and 7.0 overall bands.
Arizona State University is ranked 8th in the US News National Universities rankings, reflecting its strong overall reputation and research output across engineering, business, and liberal arts programmes.
Arizona State University Bachelor of Fine Arts Dance Application 2027
The application process is streamlined and performed entirely online through the ASU admissions portal. International applicants follow the same submission route as domestic applicants but must provide credential evaluation and English language test scores.
| Application Stage | Deadline | Notes for International Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Online Application Submission | 15 December 2026 | Submit through CommonApp or ASU portal; includes personal essays and extracurricular activities. |
| Official High School Transcripts (via AICE/WES) | 15 December 2026 | Credential evaluation typically takes 5–7 business days; order evaluation by 1 December at the latest. |
| English Language Test (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo) | 15 December 2026 | Test scores must be submitted officially by the testing agency; self-reporting is not accepted. |
| Dance Audition (Video or In-Person) | 15 December 2026 | Video auditions are free; in-person auditions held on campus (US$75, includes campus tour and financial aid session). |
| Admission Decision Release | Expected 1 April 2027 | Rolling admissions means early submissions receive priority; decisions released as evaluations complete. |
- Submit your online application and essays by mid-November to allow buffer time for credential evaluation processing.
- Schedule your English language test immediately if you haven’t taken one; IELTS and Duolingo offer frequent test dates throughout India.
- Record your video audition in natural lighting with clear audio; the Herberger Institute reviews artistic potential and technical foundation, not production quality.
- Request AICE or WES credential evaluation for your 10+2 or equivalent qualification as soon as possible to avoid processing delays.
Application Strategy: Indian applicants should submit applications by mid-November to maximize the rolling admissions advantage. Early submission also allows time to schedule in-person auditions on campus, which slightly strengthens the candidacy by demonstrating serious commitment to the programme.
Check Out: Complete ASU Application Process Guide
Arizona State University Bachelor of Fine Arts Dance Scholarships 2027
International students are eligible for need-based financial aid and limited merit-based scholarships. However, international financial aid is highly competitive and typically covers only 10-20 percent of total costs for most applicants.
| Scholarship Type | Annual Award Range (USD) | Annual Award Range (INR) | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| University Merit Scholarships | US$5,000–US$15,000 | INR 4.77 Lakhs–INR 14.30 Lakhs | Academic excellence; separate application not required. |
| Departmental Dance Scholarships | US$2,500–US$8,000 | INR 2.38 Lakhs–INR 7.62 Lakhs | Audition performance and demonstrated talent in dance disciplines. |
| International Student Scholarships | US$1,000–US$5,000 | INR 95,300–INR 4.77 Lakhs | Limited availability; competitive and based on academic and financial need. |
| Graduate Assistantships (TA/RA) | US$26,544 annually | INR 25.30 Lakhs | Available for strong performers; typically awarded after first year of study. |
- ASU’s international scholarship pool is approximately INR 1.24 Crore annually, shared among all 1,100+ international students, making individual awards modest.
- Dance-specific assistantships often include tuition waivers and hourly wages for teaching or performing duties; competitive applications required.
- Need-based aid requires demonstrated financial hardship; ASU primarily serves domestic financial aid; international need-based support is extremely limited.
Scholarship Reality for Indian Students: Most Indian students fund their BFA Dance education primarily through family savings or education loans. ASU scholarships typically offset only 10-15 percent of annual costs. Plan to fund approximately INR 28–30 Lakhs annually through savings or education loans from providers like HDFC, ICICI, or Axis Bank.
Also Check: All ASU Scholarships and Financial Aid
Arizona State University Bachelor of Fine Arts Dance Salary 2027
BFA Dance graduates pursue careers as professional dancers, choreographers, dance instructors, arts administrators, and performers in theatre, film, or television production. Salary outcomes vary significantly based on employment sector and individual career trajectory.
| Career Path | Entry-Level Salary (USD) | Entry-Level Salary (INR) | Mid-Career Salary (8–10 years) | Mid-Career Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Dancer (Ballet/Contemporary Company) | US$28,000–US$38,000 | INR 26.68 Lakhs–INR 36.21 Lakhs | US$40,000–US$55,000 | INR 38.12 Lakhs–INR 52.41 Lakhs |
| Choreographer (Freelance/Contract) | US$30,000–US$45,000 | INR 28.59 Lakhs–INR 42.89 Lakhs | US$50,000–US$75,000 | INR 47.65 Lakhs–INR 71.48 Lakhs |
| Dance Instructor (University/Studio) | US$32,000–US$42,000 | INR 30.50 Lakhs–INR 40.05 Lakhs | US$45,000–US$60,000 | INR 42.89 Lakhs–INR 57.18 Lakhs |
| Arts Administrator / Management | US$35,000–US$48,000 | INR 33.36 Lakhs–INR 45.74 Lakhs | US$55,000–US$75,000 | INR 52.41 Lakhs–INR 71.48 Lakhs |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (Dancers and Choreographers, May 2025); Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
- Professional dance careers are project-based and often require multiple income streams, including teaching, freelance choreography, and grant-funded residencies.
- Most BFA Dance graduates earn between INR 25–40 Lakhs in their first five years; mid-career earnings reach INR 50–70 Lakhs with established reputation and specialization.
- US federal and state income tax deductions typically reduce gross salary by 20-25 percent; state taxes vary (Arizona is approximately 4.5 percent).
- Many dancers supplement performance income with teaching, arts grants, or administrative roles in cultural institutions.
ROI Reality: A four-year investment of approximately INR 1.42 Crore generates entry-level returns of INR 26–36 Lakhs annually. Break-even occurs around year 5–6 of career establishment, with cumulative lifetime earnings reaching INR 3–5 Crores for established choreographers or institutional leaders.
Read More: Post-Study Work Options in USA
USA Visa Process for Bachelor of Fine Arts Dance Students
International students from India can study in the USA on an F-1 student visa, which permits full-time study and limited part-time work on-campus. After graduation, the Optional Practical Training (OPT) permit allows 12 months of work authorization in the field of study, extendable to 36 months for STEM-designated fields (though performing arts are not STEM-classified).
- F-1 visa processing in India requires a student visa appointment at a US embassy; allow 2-4 weeks for appointment availability and 1-2 weeks for decision, so apply immediately upon admission confirmation.
- On-campus employment is permitted up to 20 hours per week during the academic term; this includes teaching dance, assisting in the studio, or administrative roles within the Herberger Institute.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation allows one year of work in dance-related employment; register with USCIS within 60 days of graduation to activate the permit.
- Spousal visa sponsorship is possible if you marry while on F-1 status; your spouse receives an F-2 visa but cannot work and is limited to a part-time study load.
Visa Reality: The F-1 visa process is straightforward but time-sensitive. International students at ASU must initiate visa steps within 30 days of admission; delays in appointment booking can push your visa date beyond the programme start date, forcing deferral to the next intake.
Check Out: Complete F-1 Visa Guide for Indian Students
Bachelor of Fine Arts Dance FAQs
Ques. Does ASU require SAT or ACT scores for the BFA Dance programme?
Ans. No, standardized test scores are optional for both domestic and international applicants to ASU’s BFA Dance programme. The audition and academic transcript carry far greater weight in the admission decision. If you did take the SAT or ACT, submitting strong scores (SAT 1100+, ACT 23+) can strengthen your application, but their absence will not disadvantage you.
Ques. Can I attend a virtual audition if I’m based in India?
Ans. Yes, ASU accepts video auditions from all international applicants. You must record a 12-15 minute video demonstrating technical skill across at least two dance genres (e.g., ballet and modern, or jazz and contemporary) and submit it via the online portal by the deadline. Video quality should be clear but does not need to be professionally produced; natural daylight and a plain background are sufficient. If you can travel to Tempe, in-person auditions are preferred and cost US$75, but they are not mandatory.
Ques. What is the employment outcome for BFA Dance graduates, especially in India?
Ans. Approximately 85 percent of ASU BFA Dance graduates secure employment or continued training within 12 months of graduation. Most pursue careers as professional dancers (35%), freelance choreographers (25%), dance instructors (25%), or arts administrators (15%). Indian-returned graduates often establish themselves in Bangalore, Mumbai, or Delhi through teaching positions at universities or dance academies, freelance choreography for film and commercial work, or founding independent dance collectives. Starting salaries in India are typically INR 18–25 Lakhs annually, lower than US-based equivalents but offset by the prestige of a US BFA credential.
Ques. How much can I work while studying, and what are the post-study work options?
Ans. On-campus employment is permitted up to 20 hours per week during the academic term under F-1 visa regulations. Many BFA Dance students work as studio assistants, teaching aides, or performance technicians within the Herberger Institute. After graduation, you are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which grants 12 months of work authorization in dance-related fields. This period allows you to establish yourself professionally in the USA, build a network, or return to India with demonstrated US work experience. OPT application must be filed within 60 days of graduation through USCIS.
Ques. What are the hidden costs beyond tuition that I should budget for as a BFA Dance student?
Ans. Beyond tuition and living costs, BFA Dance students should budget for dance-specific expenses: professional dance shoes and attire (approximately US$30–50 per pair, replaced every 3-6 months), rehearsal clothing, performance costumes (sometimes subsidized by the programme), and attendance at dance conferences or festivals (US$200–500 annually). Additionally, credential evaluation fees (INR 15,000–20,000), visa application fees (US$160), and initial relocation expenses (flights, housing deposit, phone activation, INR 1-2 Lakhs total) should be factored in. Plan for approximately US$100–150 in additional monthly expenses beyond the standard cost of living to account for these specialised dance costs.
The BFA Dance programme at Arizona State University offers international students a rigorous, performance-focused education in a supportive creative environment. The four-year investment of approximately INR 1.42 Crore yields entry-level professional outcomes in dance, choreography, and related creative fields, with clear pathways to both US-based and India-based careers. Success requires strong artistic fundamentals, academic readiness, and clear artistic vision—qualities ASU’s audition and academic requirements are designed to assess.
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $39062 |
Other Expenses
| Head | Avg Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Housing | $11473 |
| Food | $7346 |
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $35430 |
| 2023 | $32760 |
| 2022 | $31200 |
| 2021 | $31200 |
Scores Required
Key Resources for Your Study Abroad Journey
Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BL Mandhana Scholarships | Scholarship per student$ 10,000/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Go Clean Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 3,500/Yr$3,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Business Administration Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Washington DC Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BeArt Presets-Academic Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 2,500/Yr$2,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,000/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
Similar Programs
| Program | Important Date | Total Fees | Median Exams Score | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
-- | USD 39,062 /Yr |
| ||
Application Deadline for Spring 2027 Intake (1st Oct 2026) Early Action Deadline for Autumn 2027 Intake (1st Nov 2026) Regular Decision Deadline for Autumn 2027 Intake (15th Jan 2027) | USD 45,526 /Yr |
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