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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #121 | University Of KansasPublic | Lawrence, KS | $31,851 Median Area Studies Earnings | $10,908 | 88.2% | 68.8% |
| #122 | Dearborn, MI | $31,839 Median Area Studies Earnings | $8,160 | 58.6% | 56.5% | |
| #123 | Pepperdine UniversityPrivate | Malibu, CA | $31,781 Median Area Studies Earnings | $36,463 | 49.9% | 84.7% |
| #124 | Columbia College ChicagoPrivate | Chicago, IL | $31,527 Median Area Studies Earnings | $21,821 | 91.2% | 48.5% |
| #125 | Vanderbilt UniversityPrivate | Nashville, TN | $31,280 Median Area Studies Earnings | $5,797 | 6.3% | 92.7% |
| #126 | University At AlbanyPublic | Albany, NY | $31,150 Median Area Studies Earnings | $13,066 | 69.9% | 63.9% |
| #127 | Stanford UniversityPrivate | Stanford, CA | $31,133 Median Area Studies Earnings | -$79 | 3.9% | 92.8% |
| #128 | George Mason UniversityPublic | Fairfax, VA | $31,133 Median Area Studies Earnings | $12,197 | 88.8% | 69.3% |
| #129 | University Park, PA | $31,034 Median Area Studies Earnings | $18,032 | 80.3% | 85.7% | |
| #130 | Miami, FL | $30,844 Median Area Studies Earnings | $7,112 | 58.8% | 73.9% | |
| #131 | Arcata, CA | $30,844 Median Area Studies Earnings | $8,090 | 98.8% | 46.6% | |
| #132 | Wayne, NJ | $30,771 Median Area Studies Earnings | $15,420 | 92.5% | 47.7% | |
| #133 | Columbia, SC | $30,732 Median Area Studies Earnings | $14,421 | 61.5% | 77.8% | |
| #134 | University Of IowaPublic | Iowa City, IA | $30,158 Median Area Studies Earnings | $13,811 | 84.7% | 73.1% |
| #135 | Lincoln, NE | $30,046 Median Area Studies Earnings | $11,899 | 77.1% | 65.8% | |
| #136 | University Of LouisvillePublic | Louisville, KY | $29,990 Median Area Studies Earnings | $13,768 | 80.5% | 60.7% |
| #137 | Storrs, CT | $29,685 Median Area Studies Earnings | $13,936 | 53.9% | 83.8% | |
| #138 | Berea CollegePrivate | Berea, KY | $29,685 Median Area Studies Earnings | $4,070 | 32.7% | 62.0% |
| #139 | Suny BrockportPublic | Brockport, NY | $29,685 Median Area Studies Earnings | $10,097 | 71.3% | 56.6% |
| #140 | Kalamazoo, MI | $29,685 Median Area Studies Earnings | $9,557 | 84.7% | 57.8% |
