Most Selective Highest Earnings Best Value Free Tuition UK Universities

Best Area Studies Schools in California

California has 13 colleges offering Area Studies programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 354 recent graduates. Graduates earn $34,623 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $32,868.

School choice matters significantly: University of the Pacific graduates earn $44,384 while University of California-Riverside graduates earn $24,615 — a $19,769 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

13
Schools in CA
$34,623
CA Avg. Earnings
$32,868
National Avg.
98
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Area Studies in California

Public Schools (7)
$31,513
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (6)
$38,251
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $6,738 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Area Studies Schools in California, Ranked by Earnings

#1
U

University of the Pacific

Stockton, CA · Private

$44,384
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 94.9%
#2
S

Saint Mary's College of California

Moraga, CA · Private

$42,682
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 88.6%
#3
U

University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, CA · Public

$40,821
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $40,373
Graduates: 80
Acceptance: 11.7%
#4
O

Occidental College

Los Angeles, CA · Private

$39,369
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 39.9%
#5
U

University of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA · Private

$39,369
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $31,773
Graduates: 19
Acceptance: 50.8%
#6
U

University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public

$33,993
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $22,438
Graduates: 44
Acceptance: 8.7%
#7
A

Azusa Pacific University

Azusa, CA · Private

$31,851
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $21,801
Graduates: 17
Acceptance: 79.5%
#8
U

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private

$31,848
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 10.0%
#9
C

California State University-Fullerton

Fullerton, CA · Public

$31,423
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $26,666
Graduates: 82
Acceptance: 86.7%
#10
C

California State University-Long Beach

Long Beach, CA · Public

$31,314
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $30,213
Graduates: 58
Acceptance: 47.1%
#11
U

University of California-Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA · Public

$30,409
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $19,866
Graduates: 27
Acceptance: 27.8%
#12
C

California State University-Chico

Chico, CA · Public

$28,019
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $28,302
Graduates: 27
Acceptance: 93.7%
#13
U

University of California-Riverside

Riverside, CA · Public

$24,615
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 63.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Area Studies in California?
University of the Pacific ranks #1 for Area Studies in California with median graduate earnings of $44,384 within two years of graduation. There are 13 schools offering Area Studies programs in the state.
How much do Area Studies graduates earn in California?
Area Studies graduates in California earn an average of $34,623 within two years of graduation. This is 5% above the national average of $32,868 for this major.
What is the hardest Area Studies school to get into in California?
University of California-Los Angeles is the most selective Area Studies program in California with an acceptance rate of 8.7%. The average acceptance rate across Area Studies programs in the state is 54.0%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Area Studies in California?
In California, private Area Studies programs produce average earnings of $38,251 vs $31,513 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 7 public and 6 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in California

Construction Management $81,700 Construction Engineering $81,610 Construction Engineering Technologies $76,343 Engineering, General $76,184 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions $75,984 Manufacturing Engineering $73,841 Engineering-Related Fields $73,096 Computer Science $72,889
All colleges in California →

Area Studies in Other States

Massachusetts New York Virginia Pennsylvania Washington Maryland Illinois Ohio Washington DC Connecticut New Jersey Wisconsin View All →

Get Area Studies Career Insights

We're building major-specific salary reports with ROI analysis by school. Be the first to get yours.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.