Best Area Studies Schools in Maryland

Maryland has 4 colleges offering Area Studies programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 50 recent graduates. Graduates in Maryland earn $29,979 on average within two years — 9% below the national average of $32,868. Lower cost of living or industry mix may explain the gap.

School choice matters significantly: University of Maryland-College Park graduates earn $38,829 while McDaniel College graduates earn $17,470 — a $21,359 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

4
Schools in MD
$29,979
MD Avg. Earnings
$32,868
National Avg.
98
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Area Studies in Maryland

Public Schools (3)
$34,149
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (1)
$17,470
avg. 2yr earnings

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

Area Studies Schools in Maryland, Ranked by Earnings

#1
U

University of Maryland-College Park

College Park, MD · Public

$38,829
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $36,080
Graduates: 27
Acceptance: 44.8%
#2
T

Towson University

Towson, MD · Public

$36,141
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 82.8%
#3
U

University of Maryland-Baltimore County

Baltimore, MD · Public

$27,476
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $22,885
Graduates: 23
Acceptance: 74.2%
#4
M

McDaniel College

Westminster, MD · Private

$17,470
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 83.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Area Studies in Maryland?
University of Maryland-College Park ranks #1 for Area Studies in Maryland with median graduate earnings of $38,829 within two years of graduation. There are 4 schools offering Area Studies programs in the state.
How much do Area Studies graduates earn in Maryland?
Area Studies graduates in Maryland earn an average of $29,979 within two years of graduation. This is 9% below the national average of $32,868 for this major.
What is the hardest Area Studies school to get into in Maryland?
University of Maryland-College Park is the most selective Area Studies program in Maryland with an acceptance rate of 44.8%. The average acceptance rate across Area Studies programs in the state is 71.4%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Area Studies in Maryland?
In Maryland, private Area Studies programs produce average earnings of $17,470 vs $34,149 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 3 public and 1 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Maryland

All colleges in Maryland →

Area Studies in Other States

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