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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #41 | Dickinson CollegePrivate | Carlisle, PA | $48,099 Median Area Studies Earnings | $17,167 | 43.1% | 83.4% |
| #42 | Brown UniversityPrivate | Providence, RI | $47,939 Median Area Studies Earnings | -$2,158 | 5.2% | 96.0% |
| #43 | La Jolla, CA | $47,820 Median Area Studies Earnings | $7,487 | 24.5% | 87.6% | |
| #44 | Hayward, CA | $47,511 Median Area Studies Earnings | $8,059 | 96.8% | 45.5% | |
| #45 | Spelman CollegePrivate | Atlanta, GA | $47,149 Median Area Studies Earnings | $31,898 | 34.1% | 76.1% |
| #46 | Towson UniversityPublic | Towson, MD | $47,042 Median Area Studies Earnings | $6,677 | 82.8% | 67.6% |
| #47 | Fullerton, CA | $47,001 Median Area Studies Earnings | $2,675 | 86.7% | 69.2% | |
| #48 | Denver, CO | $46,728 Median Area Studies Earnings | $16,135 | 77.8% | 47.4% | |
| #49 | Davis, CA | $46,612 Median Area Studies Earnings | $8,594 | 41.6% | 85.1% | |
| #50 | Charlottesville, VA | $46,611 Median Area Studies Earnings | $10,123 | 16.9% | 95.3% | |
| #51 | Connecticut CollegePrivate | New London, CT | $46,469 Median Area Studies Earnings | $13,666 | 38.3% | 83.8% |
| #52 | Amherst CollegePrivate | Amherst, MA | $45,838 Median Area Studies Earnings | $1,888 | 9.8% | 93.4% |
| #53 | Sacramento, CA | $45,590 Median Area Studies Earnings | $7,306 | 93.6% | 55.8% | |
| #54 | Georgetown UniversityPrivate | Washington, DC | $45,493 Median Area Studies Earnings | $5,340 | 13.1% | 94.3% |
| #55 | Santa Barbara, CA | $45,255 Median Area Studies Earnings | $7,745 | 27.8% | 85.3% | |
| #56 | Tampa, FL | $44,989 Median Area Studies Earnings | $4,785 | 41.0% | 74.6% | |
| #57 | Baltimore, MD | $44,928 Median Area Studies Earnings | $7,048 | 74.2% | 70.5% | |
| #58 | Florida State UniversityPublic | Tallahassee, FL | $44,916 Median Area Studies Earnings | $5,777 | 25.4% | 83.0% |
| #59 | Long Beach, CA | $44,623 Median Area Studies Earnings | $5,477 | 47.1% | 69.9% | |
| #60 | Madison, WI | $44,607 Median Area Studies Earnings | $4,458 | 43.4% | 89.3% |
