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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #141 | University Of PortlandPrivate | Portland, OR | $29,685 Median Area Studies Earnings | $24,994 | 95.4% | 80.4% |
| #142 | Bowling Green, OH | $28,960 Median Area Studies Earnings | $15,611 | 80.6% | 62.8% | |
| #143 | Northwestern UniversityPrivate | Evanston, IL | $28,852 Median Area Studies Earnings | $1,243 | 7.1% | 95.9% |
| #144 | Greensboro, NC | $28,447 Median Area Studies Earnings | $6,479 | 89.8% | 57.9% | |
| #145 | Fort Collins, CO | $27,669 Median Area Studies Earnings | $11,333 | 89.6% | 66.9% | |
| #146 | Los Angeles, CA | $27,058 Median Area Studies Earnings | $2,855 | 91.9% | 52.6% | |
| #147 | Westfield, MA | $26,896 Median Area Studies Earnings | $11,168 | 80.7% | 54.9% | |
| #148 | Loyola Marymount UniversityPrivate | Los Angeles, CA | $26,868 Median Area Studies Earnings | $30,208 | 40.3% | 79.8% |
| #149 | San Diego, CA | $26,715 Median Area Studies Earnings | $9,655 | 34.4% | 78.3% | |
| #150 | Plattsburgh, NY | $26,353 Median Area Studies Earnings | $10,585 | 75.2% | 58.8% | |
| #151 | University Of Puget SoundPrivate | Tacoma, WA | $25,623 Median Area Studies Earnings | $28,409 | 76.3% | 67.9% |
| #152 | Cuny Lehman CollegePublic | Bronx, NY | $25,194 Median Area Studies Earnings | $2,047 | 55.4% | 49.3% |
| #153 | Bellingham, WA | $25,194 Median Area Studies Earnings | $11,416 | 91.3% | 65.5% | |
| #154 | Beloit CollegePrivate | Beloit, WI | $25,194 Median Area Studies Earnings | $16,637 | 57.4% | 67.2% |
| #155 | Suny OneontaPublic | Oneonta, NY | $25,126 Median Area Studies Earnings | $11,716 | 70.2% | 70.2% |
| #156 | Gustavus Adolphus CollegePrivate | Saint Peter, MN | $24,035 Median Area Studies Earnings | $15,799 | 61.8% | 75.8% |
| #157 | Edinburg, TX | $23,604 Median Area Studies Earnings | $5,006 | 84.8% | 49.3% | |
| #158 | Vassar CollegePrivate | Poughkeepsie, NY | $22,741 Median Area Studies Earnings | $15,964 | 17.7% | 89.1% |
| #159 | Saint Louis, MO | $22,307 Median Area Studies Earnings | $4,391 | 12.0% | 94.5% | |
| #160 | Fresno, CA | $21,508 Median Area Studies Earnings | $4,447 | 96.4% | 54.8% |
