Best Area Studies Schools in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has 9 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 — 8% above the national average of $32,868, making the state one of the stronger markets for this field.

School choice matters significantly: Williams College graduates earn $44,384 while Mount Holyoke College graduates earn $21,508 — a $22,876 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in MA

$35,613

MA Avg. Earnings

$32,868

National Avg.

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Area Studies in Massachusetts

Public Schools (1)

$39,729

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (8)

$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

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%

Brandeis University

Waltham, MA · Private

$37,208

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $38,853

Graduates: 47

Acceptance: 35.3%

Tufts University

Medford, MA · Private

$35,060

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $33,157

Graduates: 34

Acceptance: 10.1%

Smith College

Northampton, MA · Private

$34,420

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $30,077

Graduates: 30

Acceptance: 19.7%

Wellesley College

Wellesley, MA · Private

$34,420

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $36,749

Graduates: 31

Acceptance: 13.9%

Boston University

Boston, MA · Private

$31,851

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 10.8%

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?

Williams College ranks #1 for Area Studies in Massachusetts with median graduate earnings of $44,384 within two years of graduation. There are 9 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 8% above the national average of $32,868 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 25.0%.

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 8 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 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $77,412 Engineering, Other $76,362 Industrial Engineering $70,780 Chemical Engineering $70,218

All colleges in Massachusetts →

Area Studies in Other States

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

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