Best Area Studies Schools in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has 10 colleges offering Area Studies programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 158 recent graduates. Graduates in Massachusetts earn $35,613 on average within two years — 14% above the national average of $31,124, making the state one of the stronger markets for this field.

School choice matters significantly: Tufts University graduates earn $35,060 while Mount Holyoke College graduates earn $21,508 — a $13,552 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in MA

$35,613

MA Avg. Earnings

$31,124

National Avg.

122

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Area Studies in Massachusetts

Public Schools (1)

$39,729

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (9)

$35,099

avg. 2yr earnings

Public schools in Massachusetts produce comparable or higher early earnings for Area Studies graduates, often at lower cost — making them strong value options.

Area Studies Schools in Massachusetts, Ranked by Earnings

Tufts University

Medford, MA · Private

$35,060

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $33,157

Graduates: 34

Acceptance: 10.1%

Amherst College

Amherst, MA · Private

N/A

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 9.8%

Brandeis University

Waltham, MA · Private

$37,208

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $38,853

Graduates: 47

Acceptance: 35.3%

Smith College

Northampton, MA · Private

$34,420

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $30,077

Graduates: 30

Acceptance: 19.7%

Williams College

Williamstown, MA · Private

$44,384

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $37,948

Graduates: 16

Acceptance: 10.0%

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA · Private

$41,937

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 3.5%

University of Massachusetts-Boston

Boston, MA · Public

$39,729

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 83.0%

Wellesley College

Wellesley, MA · Private

$34,420

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $36,749

Graduates: 31

Acceptance: 13.9%

Boston University

Boston, MA · Private

Mount Holyoke College

South Hadley, MA · Private

$21,508

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 38.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Area Studies in Massachusetts?

Tufts University ranks #1 for Area Studies in Massachusetts with median graduate earnings of $35,060 within two years of graduation. There are 10 schools offering Area Studies programs in the state.

How much do Area Studies graduates earn in Massachusetts?

Area Studies graduates in Massachusetts earn an average of $35,613 within two years of graduation. This is 14% above the national average of $31,124 for this major.

What is the hardest Area Studies school to get into in Massachusetts?

Harvard University is the most selective Area Studies program in Massachusetts with an acceptance rate of 3.5%. The average acceptance rate across Area Studies programs in the state is 23.4%.

Should I attend a public or private school for Area Studies in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, private Area Studies programs produce average earnings of $35,099 vs $39,729 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 1 public and 9 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Massachusetts

Computer Science $83,997 Computer Engineering $80,525 Applied Mathematics $79,258 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering $77,562 Chemical Engineering $70,218 Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other $66,917 Computer and Information Sciences, General $65,613 Biomedical/Medical Engineering $61,172

All colleges in Massachusetts →

Area Studies in Other States

California Pennsylvania New York Ohio Connecticut Virginia Washington Maryland Illinois New Jersey Wisconsin Washington DC 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.

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study file last updated June 2026. Institution-level figures elsewhere on the site come from the June 2026 release.