Hope College
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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
No Interview
University App Required
Program Highlights
ACCREDITATION
•NASD-accredited since 1982 — one of few programs accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance
•One of the first private liberal arts colleges with accredited programs in all four fine arts areas
TRAINING
•Required curriculum spans ballet, modern, jazz, tap, and hip-hop — rare breadth for a single program
•Balances theoretical and technical dance studies with liberal arts education
•Emphasizes growth across artistic, intellectual, physical, and spiritual dimensions
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
•Regular departmental concerts and showcases
•StrikeTime Dance Theatre — student-run company producing public performances
•Senior Capstone Designer Run
VENUES
•Dow Center (primary rehearsal and performance space)
•Knickerbocker Theatre (downtown Holland community performances)
•DeWitt Student and Cultural Center (capstone events)
STUDY ABROAD
•Students can study at partner institutions across the country and around the globe
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early ActionNov 1, 2025
PriorityFeb 1, 2026
Rolling
Good to Know
ENROLLMENT
•No application fee
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
•DAA video audition submitted through the online portal on the dance department website
•Contact dance@hope.edu or 616.395.7700 for questions
What's The Process
ADMISSION
•No audition required for admission to the BA Dance Performance and Choreography major
•Students are admitted through the standard university application process
SCHOLARSHIP AUDITION
•Distinguished Artist Award (DAA) scholarship audition is optional — not required for admission
•Video-only submission (no in-person audition)
•Must apply to Hope College and submit scholarship audition application simultaneously
•Dance Day on campus provides opportunity to experience master classes and performances
Scholarship Info
DISTINGUISHED ARTIST AWARD (DAA)
•$3,000 per year ($12,000 over four years)
•$48,000 distributed annually across all dance DAA recipients
•Open to incoming first-year and transfer students
REQUIREMENTS
•Must maintain 2.6 GPA
•Enroll in minimum two dance classes per semester
•Participate in at least one dance performance annually
•Major/minor requirement is waived for DAA recipients
VIDEO AUDITION MATERIALS
•HEADSHOT
•RECOMMENDATION LETTER (preferably from professional dance field)
•ONE-PAGE ESSAY about what excites you about Hope's dance program
•STUDIO/PERFORMANCE VIDEO (maximum 10 minutes) showcasing training across multiple techniques
•PERSONAL RESPONSE VIDEO answering three prompts about the program, your strengths, and areas for improvement
DEADLINE
•Video submissions due March 9 at 11:59 p.m.
•Notification by mid-March
Program info updated Today
Academic School Information
3.81
Avg GPA (W)
76%
Admit Rate
81%
Grad Rate
3,274
Enrollment
$58,427
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$40,420
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$25,749
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Annual Cost by Family Income
Family Income $0 - $30k$14,365
Family Income $30k - $48k$16,069
Family Income $48k - $75k$20,837
Family Income $75k - $110k$26,104
Family Income $110k+$31,356
