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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #61 | Utah State UniversityPublic | Logan, UT | $44,503 Median Area Studies Earnings | $9,601 | 93.6% | 57.3% |
| #62 | Pomona, CA | $44,473 Median Area Studies Earnings | $7,599 | 73.7% | 66.7% | |
| #63 | Austin, TX | $44,414 Median Area Studies Earnings | $12,972 | 29.1% | 87.6% | |
| #64 | Binghamton UniversityPublic | Vestal, NY | $44,403 Median Area Studies Earnings | $12,916 | 37.7% | 83.7% |
| #65 | Cuny City CollegePublic | New York, NY | $44,363 Median Area Studies Earnings | $1,579 | 58.1% | 54.7% |
| #66 | Chapel Hill, NC | $43,270 Median Area Studies Earnings | $3,165 | 18.7% | 92.1% | |
| #67 | La Salle UniversityPrivate | Philadelphia, PA | $43,240 Median Area Studies Earnings | $18,702 | 86.2% | 57.9% |
| #68 | Temple UniversityPublic | Philadelphia, PA | $42,986 Median Area Studies Earnings | $23,080 | 82.9% | 74.7% |
| #69 | Chico, CA | $42,575 Median Area Studies Earnings | $10,045 | 93.7% | 63.6% | |
| #70 | University Of ArizonaPublic | Tucson, AZ | $42,245 Median Area Studies Earnings | $12,043 | 85.7% | 65.9% |
| #71 | Mankato, MN | $42,174 Median Area Studies Earnings | $11,920 | 91.3% | 54.1% | |
| #72 | Bowdoin CollegePrivate | Brunswick, ME | $42,123 Median Area Studies Earnings | $3,275 | 8.0% | 95.6% |
| #73 | Duluth, MN | $41,926 Median Area Studies Earnings | $6,393 | 81.8% | 64.5% | |
| #74 | Oberlin CollegePrivate | Oberlin, OH | $41,849 Median Area Studies Earnings | $19,257 | 33.0% | 79.5% |
| #75 | Tempe, AZ | $41,617 Median Area Studies Earnings | $8,909 | 90.2% | 67.8% | |
| #76 | Richmond, VA | $41,284 Median Area Studies Earnings | $12,830 | 93.1% | 65.4% | |
| #77 | Riverside, CA | $41,216 Median Area Studies Earnings | $8,240 | 63.3% | 76.6% | |
| #78 | Smith CollegePrivate | Northampton, MA | $41,121 Median Area Studies Earnings | $7,033 | 19.7% | 89.7% |
| #79 | Bloomington, IN | $41,084 Median Area Studies Earnings | $6,125 | 80.4% | 81.2% | |
| #80 | Minneapolis, MN | $41,050 Median Area Studies Earnings | $7,262 | 77.0% | 84.8% |
