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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #21 | Miami University-OxfordPublic | Oxford, OH | $54,114 Median Area Studies Earnings | $14,775 | 82.1% | 81.8% |
| #22 | Brandeis UniversityPrivate | Waltham, MA | $53,654 Median Area Studies Earnings | $12,366 | 35.3% | 86.1% |
| #23 | Sonoma State UniversityPublic | Rohnert Park, CA | $52,579 Median Area Studies Earnings | $9,406 | 94.7% | 60.5% |
| #24 | Los Angeles, CA | $52,424 Median Area Studies Earnings | $6,864 | 8.7% | 92.7% | |
| #25 | University Of FloridaPublic | Gainesville, FL | $51,916 Median Area Studies Earnings | $2,387 | 24.0% | 91.5% |
| #26 | Cuny Hunter CollegePublic | New York, NY | $51,744 Median Area Studies Earnings | $262 | 54.0% | 61.0% |
| #27 | Durham, NH | $51,688 Median Area Studies Earnings | $15,393 | 86.9% | 76.4% | |
| #28 | University Of RichmondPrivate | University Of Richmond, VA | $51,138 Median Area Studies Earnings | $11,026 | 23.3% | 87.8% |
| #29 | New Brunswick, NJ | $50,684 Median Area Studies Earnings | $15,885 | 65.3% | 85.0% | |
| #30 | Ann Arbor, MI | $50,529 Median Area Studies Earnings | $4,926 | 17.9% | 93.2% | |
| #31 | Grinnell CollegePrivate | Grinnell, IA | $50,359 Median Area Studies Earnings | $6,739 | 12.7% | 87.5% |
| #32 | Kingston, RI | $50,330 Median Area Studies Earnings | $12,930 | 77.1% | 71.0% | |
| #33 | Santa Cruz, CA | $49,977 Median Area Studies Earnings | $9,472 | 62.5% | 74.5% | |
| #34 | Amherst, MA | $49,321 Median Area Studies Earnings | $11,103 | 57.8% | 83.2% | |
| #35 | Colby CollegePrivate | Waterville, ME | $48,989 Median Area Studies Earnings | $6,072 | 6.8% | 90.2% |
| #36 | Yale UniversityPrivate | New Haven, CT | $48,900 Median Area Studies Earnings | $28,132 | 4.5% | 96.3% |
| #37 | Gallaudet UniversityPrivate | Washington, DC | $48,417 Median Area Studies Earnings | $12,221 | 60.9% | 46.6% |
| #38 | San Francisco, CA | $48,260 Median Area Studies Earnings | $9,307 | 96.2% | 50.1% | |
| #39 | Cuny Brooklyn CollegePublic | Brooklyn, NY | $48,233 Median Area Studies Earnings | $1,466 | 53.7% | 56.6% |
| #40 | New Paltz, NY | $48,219 Median Area Studies Earnings | $11,330 | 58.7% | 68.9% |
