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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #101 | New Orleans, LA | $38,127 Median Area Studies Earnings | $20,957 | 14.6% | 88.9% | |
| #102 | University Of DelawarePublic | Newark, DE | $38,124 Median Area Studies Earnings | $9,354 | 65.1% | 78.8% |
| #103 | Honolulu, HI | $37,521 Median Area Studies Earnings | $7,397 | 69.7% | 62.6% | |
| #104 | Eau Claire, WI | $36,711 Median Area Studies Earnings | $9,565 | 76.1% | 67.6% | |
| #105 | Albuquerque, NM | $36,285 Median Area Studies Earnings | $13,908 | 95.5% | 52.5% | |
| #106 | Harvard UniversityPrivate | Cambridge, MA | $35,931 Median Area Studies Earnings | $2,895 | 3.5% | 97.3% |
| #107 | Ypsilanti, MI | $35,858 Median Area Studies Earnings | $14,925 | 81.3% | 45.5% | |
| #108 | Stony Brook UniversityPublic | Stony Brook, NY | $35,416 Median Area Studies Earnings | $12,744 | 49.0% | 77.8% |
| #109 | University Of Notre DamePrivate | Notre Dame, IN | $35,263 Median Area Studies Earnings | $8,873 | 12.4% | 96.8% |
| #110 | Chicago, IL | $35,242 Median Area Studies Earnings | $9,257 | 78.5% | 60.3% | |
| #111 | Rhode Island CollegePublic | Providence, RI | $35,060 Median Area Studies Earnings | $7,674 | 81.1% | 46.2% |
| #112 | Saint Louis UniversityPrivate | Saint Louis, MO | $35,060 Median Area Studies Earnings | $20,869 | 81.5% | 79.8% |
| #113 | College Of CharlestonPublic | Charleston, SC | $35,060 Median Area Studies Earnings | $13,017 | 72.0% | 65.0% |
| #114 | University Of OregonPublic | Eugene, OR | $34,915 Median Area Studies Earnings | $15,975 | 85.1% | 71.5% |
| #115 | Denver, CO | $34,906 Median Area Studies Earnings | $12,364 | 99.1% | 29.9% | |
| #116 | Boston, MA | $34,346 Median Area Studies Earnings | $13,072 | 83.0% | 51.1% | |
| #117 | Mount Holyoke CollegePrivate | South Hadley, MA | $34,037 Median Area Studies Earnings | $17,365 | 38.3% | 85.0% |
| #118 | Depaul UniversityPrivate | Chicago, IL | $33,636 Median Area Studies Earnings | $23,758 | 73.5% | 70.0% |
| #119 | Northeastern UniversityPrivate | Boston, MA | $32,569 Median Area Studies Earnings | $5,900 | 5.7% | 90.4% |
| #120 | Boston UniversityPrivate | Boston, MA | $31,851 Median Area Studies Earnings | $11,453 | 10.8% | 90.0% |
