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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #81 | Columbus, OH | $41,029 Median Area Studies Earnings | $6,259 | 50.8% | 87.7% | |
| #82 | Allendale, MI | $40,871 Median Area Studies Earnings | $11,395 | 94.7% | 68.7% | |
| #83 | Middlebury CollegePrivate | Middlebury, VT | $40,843 Median Area Studies Earnings | $10,270 | 10.4% | 92.6% |
| #84 | American UniversityPrivate | Washington, DC | $40,789 Median Area Studies Earnings | $21,176 | 47.4% | 78.5% |
| #85 | Champaign, IL | $40,696 Median Area Studies Earnings | $3,883 | 43.7% | 84.9% | |
| #86 | Furman UniversityPrivate | Greenville, SC | $40,585 Median Area Studies Earnings | $16,190 | 52.6% | 81.5% |
| #87 | Denison UniversityPrivate | Granville, OH | $40,086 Median Area Studies Earnings | $15,093 | 16.9% | 80.1% |
| #88 | Geneva, NY | $39,939 Median Area Studies Earnings | $10,969 | 57.3% | 72.7% | |
| #89 | Irvine, CA | $39,912 Median Area Studies Earnings | $6,485 | 25.6% | 86.0% | |
| #90 | Barnard CollegePrivate | New York, NY | $39,648 Median Area Studies Earnings | $14,486 | 8.0% | 92.9% |
| #91 | Norman, OK | $39,531 Median Area Studies Earnings | $12,555 | 76.5% | 75.3% | |
| #92 | University Of San FranciscoPrivate | San Francisco, CA | $39,369 Median Area Studies Earnings | $31,741 | 50.8% | 71.1% |
| #93 | Occidental CollegePrivate | Los Angeles, CA | $39,369 Median Area Studies Earnings | $18,872 | 39.9% | 85.1% |
| #94 | Portland, OR | $39,164 Median Area Studies Earnings | $11,558 | 90.9% | 53.1% | |
| #95 | Charlotte, NC | $38,994 Median Area Studies Earnings | $9,010 | 80.2% | 67.7% | |
| #96 | Milwaukee, WI | $38,970 Median Area Studies Earnings | $10,860 | 88.4% | 51.2% | |
| #97 | Millersville, PA | $38,959 Median Area Studies Earnings | $13,632 | 89.4% | 54.4% | |
| #98 | St Olaf CollegePrivate | Northfield, MN | $38,895 Median Area Studies Earnings | $9,504 | 52.1% | 83.5% |
| #99 | Boulder, CO | $38,289 Median Area Studies Earnings | $11,251 | 83.3% | 75.0% | |
| #100 | Northridge, CA | $38,255 Median Area Studies Earnings | $5,153 | 93.2% | 56.2% |
