Area Studies programs produce graduates with career earnings ranging from $20,682 to $77,707, demonstrating significant variation in program outcomes. Across 104 programs, graduates earn a median of $73,301—$17,484 higher than the national average, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature and global perspective these degrees provide.
Leading the list is Emory University, achieving the highest program earnings at $77,707. Cornell University follows closely with $75,147, while The University Of Alabama rounds out the top three at $69,936. These top-performing programs demonstrate how Area Studies degrees translate into strong median earnings and career trajectories across diverse geographic and cultural specializations.
| Rank | School | Location | Earnings | Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Emory UniversityPrivate | Atlanta, GA | $77,707 Median Area Studies Earnings | $6,895 | 11.1% | 91.8% |
| #2 | Cornell UniversityPrivate | Ithaca, NY | $75,147 Median Area Studies Earnings | $4,079 | 8.2% | 95.1% |
| #3 | Tuscaloosa, AL | $69,936 Median Area Studies Earnings | $18,592 | 75.8% | 73.7% | |
| #4 | Williams CollegePrivate | Williamstown, MA | $67,794 Median Area Studies Earnings | -$2,421 | 10.0% | 96.5% |
| #5 | Berkeley, CA | $65,428 Median Area Studies Earnings | $5,895 | 11.7% | 92.9% | |
| #6 | George Washington UniversityPrivate | Washington, DC | $65,259 Median Area Studies Earnings | $21,396 | 43.5% | 85.2% |
| #7 | William & MaryPublic | Williamsburg, VA | $59,898 Median Area Studies Earnings | $6,616 | 32.7% | 91.0% |
| #8 | Fordham UniversityPrivate | Bronx, NY | $59,590 Median Area Studies Earnings | $31,239 | 56.3% | 80.3% |
| #9 | Los Angeles, CA | $59,542 Median Area Studies Earnings | $15,470 | 10.0% | 92.0% | |
| #10 | Columbia, MO | $59,123 Median Area Studies Earnings | $13,599 | 77.0% | 76.2% | |
| #11 | New York, NY | $58,907 Median Area Studies Earnings | $6,342 | 4.2% | 95.0% | |
| #12 | Dartmouth CollegePrivate | Hanover, NH | $58,622 Median Area Studies Earnings | $2,978 | 6.2% | 96.0% |
| #13 | Iowa State UniversityPublic | Ames, IA | $57,606 Median Area Studies Earnings | $11,734 | 89.1% | 75.5% |
| #14 | Wellesley CollegePrivate | Wellesley, MA | $55,911 Median Area Studies Earnings | $5,695 | 13.9% | 91.2% |
| #15 | College Park, MD | $55,849 Median Area Studies Earnings | $3,603 | 44.8% | 88.6% | |
| #16 | Hilo, HI | $55,804 Median Area Studies Earnings | $9,081 | 89.8% | 41.6% | |
| #17 | Norton, MA | $55,761 Median Area Studies Earnings | $19,884 | 71.3% | 75.7% | |
| #18 | Brigham Young UniversityPrivate | Provo, UT | $55,711 Median Area Studies Earnings | $9,531 | 69.2% | 82.2% |
| #19 | Tufts UniversityPrivate | Medford, MA | $54,435 Median Area Studies Earnings | $10,526 | 10.1% | 93.3% |
| #20 | Seattle, WA | $54,164 Median Area Studies Earnings | $6,398 | 42.5% | 83.7% |
