Overview

The Dance programme at Northern Illinois University provides a comprehensive professional foundation for students aiming to transform their artistic passion into a lifelong career. This Bachelor of Fine Arts degree focuses on rigorous technical training and creative expression within a supportive academic environment.

Students engage in a demanding schedule, typically participating in ten to seventeen technique classes every week. The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of movement styles, ensuring that graduates are versatile and prepared for the modern industry. Training includes dedicated practice in ballet, modern dance, jazz, and Afro-Cuban dance traditions.

Why Dance at Northern Illinois University?

The institution offers exceptional performance opportunities, with four fully produced mainstage concerts held annually. these productions feature a mix of original faculty works, classical masterworks, and contemporary repertory. Students also have the unique chance to showcase their own creativity through student-choreographed productions.

Learning is guided by an expert faculty of industry professionals, including award-winning performers and choreographers with deep connections to the global dance community. The school frequently hosts guest artists from prestigious organisations such as DanceWorks Chicago, Chicago Dance Crash, and the Malpaso Dance Company for specialised workshops.

The success of the department is reflected in its alumni, who have secured positions with world-class companies like the American Ballet Theatre and Cirque Du Soleil. Graduates also find frequent employment in Broadway productions, demonstrating the high standard of preparation provided by the university's dedicated dance facilities and resources.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 10742 per semester
National fee: USD 5371 per semester
Local fee: USD 5371 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Ballet
Modern Dance
Jazz Dance
Afro-Cuban Dance
Dance Performance
Classical and Contemporary Repertory
Choreography

Careers with Dance

Graduates from this programme are well-equipped for diverse roles within the performing arts sector. Many alumni pursue successful careers as professional dancers in national and international touring companies. The rigorous training also prepares students for roles in commercial dance, musical theatre, and choreography across various entertainment platforms.

Beyond performance, the skills gained at the university allow graduates to work with renowned organisations such as the American Ballet Theatre or in major theatrical hubs like Broadway. The industry-aligned curriculum ensures that students are ready for the competitive nature of professional dance companies and contemporary arts ensembles worldwide.

Programme Structure

Courses

Viewed within the context of a vital liberal arts education, the primary goal of our program is to prepare actors, designers, technicians and dancers for professional careers in their chosen field. We recruit students who are willing to:

take chances

demonstrate initiative

be responsible for their own depth of immersion in our training.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

DeKalb, United States

Disciplines

Dance View 403 other Bachelors in Dance in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

High school diploma: You must have graduated by the time you start at NIU in order to be admitted.
Grades: You must have passing grades equivalent to a U.S. C+ average on all transcripts and/or exam scores

A completed NIU application

Official transcripts from all high schools attended

ACT/SAT score

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

21484 USD / year

≈ 21484 USD / year
Out-of-State

10742 USD / year

≈ 10742 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

10742 USD / year

≈ 10742 USD / year

Additional Details

Local: $5,115.34 per semester National and International: $10,230.68 per semester

Living costs

DeKalb

United States

1100 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Dance.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

DeKalb

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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