Best Area Studies Schools in Virginia

Virginia has 6 colleges offering Area Studies programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 153 recent graduates. Graduates in Virginia earn $35,251 on average within two years — 13% above the national average of $31,124, making the state one of the stronger markets for this field.

Schools in VA

$35,251

VA Avg. Earnings

$31,124

National Avg.

122

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Area Studies in Virginia

Public Schools (4)

$33,482

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (2)

$38,788

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $5,306 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Area Studies Schools in Virginia, Ranked by Earnings

William & Mary

Williamsburg, VA · Public

$29,685

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $34,517

Graduates: 27

Acceptance: 32.7%

University of Virginia-Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA · Public

$44,356

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $22,566

Graduates: 34

Acceptance: 16.9%

Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, VA · Public

$28,753

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $31,111

Graduates: 72

Acceptance: 93.1%

Mary Baldwin University

Staunton, VA · Private

$39,648

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: N/A

University of Richmond

University of Richmond, VA · Private

$37,928

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $25,863

Graduates: 20

Acceptance: 23.3%

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA · Public

$31,133

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 88.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Area Studies in Virginia?

William & Mary ranks #1 for Area Studies in Virginia with median graduate earnings of $29,685 within two years of graduation. There are 6 schools offering Area Studies programs in the state.

How much do Area Studies graduates earn in Virginia?

Area Studies graduates in Virginia earn an average of $35,251 within two years of graduation. This is 13% above the national average of $31,124 for this major.

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

University of Virginia-Main Campus is the most selective Area Studies program in Virginia with an acceptance rate of 16.9%. The average acceptance rate across Area Studies programs in the state is 51.0%.

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

In Virginia, private Area Studies programs produce average earnings of $38,788 vs $33,482 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 4 public and 2 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Virginia

Computer Science $71,200 Industrial Engineering $70,628 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $69,947 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering $69,803 Computer Engineering $69,212 Chemical Engineering $67,280 Computer and Information Sciences, General $64,785 Dental Support Services and Allied Professions $61,922

All colleges in Virginia →

Area Studies in Other States

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

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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.