Best Area Studies Schools in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has 12 colleges offering Area Studies programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 46 recent graduates. Graduates in Pennsylvania earn $23,740 on average within two years — 24% below the national average of $31,124. Lower cost of living or industry mix may explain the gap.

School choice matters significantly: Dickinson College graduates earn $38,289 while Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington graduates earn $17,396 — a $20,893 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in PA

$23,740

PA Avg. Earnings

$31,124

National Avg.

122

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Area Studies in Pennsylvania

Public Schools (9)

$19,297

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (3)

$37,071

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $17,774 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Area Studies Schools in Pennsylvania, Ranked by Earnings

Dickinson College

Carlisle, PA · Private

$38,289

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 43.1%

Millersville University of Pennsylvania

Millersville, PA · Public

$24,421

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $31,045

Graduates: 20

Acceptance: 89.4%

La Salle University

Philadelphia, PA · Private

$43,240

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $37,984

Graduates: 26

Acceptance: 86.2%

Thiel College

Greenville, PA · Private

$29,685

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 70.6%

Temple University

Philadelphia, PA · Public

$27,476

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 82.9%

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton

Dunmore, PA · Public

$17,396

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 94.9%

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks

Reading, PA · Public

$17,396

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 97.1%

Pennsylvania State University-World Campus

University Park, PA · Public

$17,396

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 80.3%

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg

Middletown, PA · Public

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine

Media, PA · Public

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

University Park, PA · Public

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington

Abington, PA · Public

$17,396

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 92.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Area Studies in Pennsylvania?

Dickinson College ranks #1 for Area Studies in Pennsylvania with median graduate earnings of $38,289 within two years of graduation. There are 12 schools offering Area Studies programs in the state.

How much do Area Studies graduates earn in Pennsylvania?

Area Studies graduates in Pennsylvania earn an average of $23,740 within two years of graduation. This is 24% below the national average of $31,124 for this major.

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

Dickinson College is the most selective Area Studies program in Pennsylvania with an acceptance rate of 43.1%. The average acceptance rate across Area Studies programs in the state is 81.9%.

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

In Pennsylvania, private Area Studies programs produce average earnings of $37,071 vs $19,297 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 9 public and 3 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Pennsylvania

Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other $75,470 Computer Science $73,789 Industrial Engineering $72,008 Chemical Engineering $71,780 Business/Managerial Economics $71,719 Materials Engineering $71,420 Computer Engineering $71,107 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $71,033

All colleges in Pennsylvania →

Area Studies in Other States

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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.