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2022 Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Colleges for Area Studies

426 Colleges in the United States
4,788 Bachelor's Degrees
$32,162 Avg Early-Career Salary
A bachelor's degree in area studies is more popular than many other degrees. In fact, it ranks #77 out of 338 on popularity of all such degrees in the nation. As a result, there are many colleges that offer the degree, making your choice of school a hard one.

For its 2022 ranking, College Factual looked at 426 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the most popular for area studies students pursuing a bachelor's degree. Combined, these schools handed out 4,788 bachelor's degrees in area studies to qualified students.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Other Rankings

Choosing a Great Area Studies School for Your Bachelor's Degree

Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Colleges for Area Studies The area studies bachelor's degree program you select can have a big impact on your future. As an aid in helping you pick the right school for you, we created our Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Colleges for Area Studies ranking.

Being popular does not always equate to overall quality, but a school with a large number of area studies students usually has them for a reason. This may be due to it being a great value, it offering a stellar educational experience, or the subject is a major focus of the school.

More Ways to Rank Area Studies Schools

Associate Degrees in Area Studies
Master's Degrees in Area Studies
Doctor's Degrees in Area Studies
Overall Popularity in Area Studies

This is not our only ranking, nor the only degree level we have ranked. In addition to this ranking, you may want to take at the rankings for different degree levels as called out above. You can also narrow your search by location by filtering for a certain area of the country. Plus, you can view our other rankings for area studies.

In addition to College Factual's rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don't forget it.

Below you'll see a list of the most popular colleges and universities for pursuing a bachelor's degree in area studies. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Most Well Attended Schools for Area Studies Students Working on Their Bachelor's

1
247 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NC
#1 Best Quality In NC

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a popular option for individuals pursuing a bachelor's degree in area studies. UNC Chapel Hill is a very large public university located in the small city of Chapel Hill. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in area studies in North Carolina.

There were roughly 247 area studies individuals who graduated with this degree at UNC Chapel Hill in the most recent year we have data available.

Soon after graduation, area studies bachelor's recipients usually make around $31,400 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a bachelor’s in area studies from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

2
193 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In WA
#1 Best Quality In WA

Every student who is interested in a bachelor's degree in area studies has to take a look at University of Washington - Seattle Campus. Located in the large city of Seattle, UW Seattle is a public university with a fairly large student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in area studies in Washington.

There were about 193 area studies individuals who graduated with this degree at UW Seattle in the most recent year we have data available.

Bachelor's students who receive their degree from the area studies program make an average of $32,300 in their early career salary.

More information about a bachelor’s in area studies from University of Washington - Seattle Campus

3
Wesleyan U crest
Wesleyan University
Middletown, CT
117 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In CT

Wesleyan University is one of the most popular schools in the United States for getting a bachelor's degree in area studies. Wesleyan U is a small private not-for-profit university located in the city of Middletown.

There were roughly 117 area studies individuals who graduated with this degree at Wesleyan U in the most recent data year.

More information about a bachelor’s in area studies from Wesleyan University

4
103 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In CA
#2 Best Quality In CA

University of California - Berkeley is one of the most popular schools in the United States for getting a bachelor's degree in area studies. UC Berkeley is a fairly large public university located in the midsize city of Berkeley. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for bachelor's degrees in area studies in California.

There were approximately 103 area studies students who graduated with this degree at UC Berkeley in the most recent data year.

Area Studies bachelor's degree recipients from University of California - Berkeley receive an earnings boost of about $5,238 over the average income of area studies graduates.

More information about a bachelor’s in area studies from University of California - Berkeley

5
99 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In CA
#4 Best Quality In CA

Located in the large city of Los Angeles, UCLA is a public university with a very large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #4 in quality for bachelor's degrees in area studies in California.

There were about 99 area studies students who graduated with this degree at UCLA in the most recent data year.

Bachelor's graduates who receive their degree from the area studies program earn about $28,900 in the first couple years of working.

More information about a bachelor’s in area studies from University of California - Los Angeles

6
Brown crest
Brown University
Providence, RI
78 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In RI
#1 Best Quality In RI

Located in the midsize city of Providence, Brown is a private not-for-profit university with a moderately-sized student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in area studies in Rhode Island.

There were roughly 78 area studies students who graduated with this degree at Brown in the most recent year we have data available.

Area Studies bachelor's degree recipients from Brown University receive an earnings boost of approximately $4,838 above the typical earnings of area studies graduates.

More information about a bachelor’s in area studies from Brown University

7
76 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In MO
#2 Best Quality In MO

Mizzou is a very large public university located in the city of Columbia. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for bachelor's degrees in area studies in Missouri.

There were about 76 area studies individuals who graduated with this degree at Mizzou in the most recent data year.

Those area studies students who get their bachelor's degree from University of Missouri - Columbia receive $2,838 more than the standard area studies grad.

More information about a bachelor’s in area studies from University of Missouri - Columbia

8
70 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In MA
#6 Best Quality In MA

Located in the city of Waltham, Brandeis is a private not-for-profit university with a moderately-sized student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #6 in quality for bachelor's degrees in area studies in Massachusetts.

There were approximately 70 area studies students who graduated with this degree at Brandeis in the most recent year we have data available.

Those area studies students who get their bachelor's degree from Brandeis University receive $5,138 more than the typical area studies graduate.

More information about a bachelor’s in area studies from Brandeis University

9
69 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In UT
#1 Best Quality In UT

BYU is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the midsize city of Provo. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in area studies in Utah.

There were approximately 69 area studies individuals who graduated with this degree at BYU in the most recent year we have data available.

Soon after graduating, area studies bachelor's recipients typically make around $33,400 in their early careers.

More information about a bachelor’s in area studies from Brigham Young University - Provo

10
68 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#3 Most Popular In CA
#13 Best Quality In CA

Located in the suburb of Fullerton, Cal State Fullerton is a public university with a very large student population.

There were about 68 area studies individuals who graduated with this degree at Cal State Fullerton in the most recent year we have data available.

After graduating, area studies bachelor's recipients usually earn an average of $28,400 in their early careers.

More information about a bachelor’s in area studies from California State University - Fullerton

11
65 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#4 Most Popular In CA
#9 Best Quality In CA

CSULB is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Long Beach. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #9 in quality for bachelor's degrees in area studies in California.

There were approximately 65 area studies individuals who graduated with this degree at CSULB in the most recent year we have data available.

Students who graduate with their bachelor's from the area studies program report average early career wages of $29,800.

More information about a bachelor’s in area studies from California State University - Long Beach

12
63 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In TX
#1 Best Quality In TX

Located in the large city of Austin, UT Austin is a public university with a very large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in area studies in Texas.

There were approximately 63 area studies students who graduated with this degree at UT Austin in the most recent data year.

Students who graduate with their bachelor's from the area studies program state that they receive average early career wages of $29,500.

More information about a bachelor’s in area studies from The University of Texas at Austin

13
62 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NY
#2 Best Quality In NY

Located in the large city of New York, Columbia is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for bachelor's degrees in area studies in New York.

There were about 62 area studies individuals who graduated with this degree at Columbia in the most recent data year.

Bachelor's recipients from the area studies major at Columbia University in the City of New York earn $9,138 more than the average college graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a bachelor’s in area studies from Columbia University in the City of New York

14
Bowdoin crest
Bowdoin College
Brunswick, ME
58 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In ME
#1 Best Quality In ME

Bowdoin is a small private not-for-profit college located in the fringe town of Brunswick. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in area studies in Maine.

There were roughly 58 area studies students who graduated with this degree at Bowdoin in the most recent data year.

More information about a bachelor’s in area studies from Bowdoin College

15
57 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In VA
#5 Best Quality In VA

Located in the medium-sized city of Richmond, VCU is a public university with a very large student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #5 in quality for bachelor's degrees in area studies in Virginia.

There were roughly 57 area studies individuals who graduated with this degree at VCU in the most recent year we have data available.

After graduating, area studies bachelor's recipients generally earn about $23,100 in their early careers.

More information about a bachelor’s in area studies from Virginia Commonwealth University

16
55 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In OH
#1 Best Quality In OH

Miami University - Oxford is a large public university located in the fringe town of Oxford. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in area studies in Ohio.

There were roughly 55 area studies students who graduated with this degree at Miami University - Oxford in the most recent year we have data available.

Students who graduate with their bachelor's from the area studies program state that they receive average early career earnings of $30,300.

More information about a bachelor’s in area studies from Miami University - Oxford

16
55 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In MI
#1 Best Quality In MI

U-M is a very large public university located in the medium-sized city of Ann Arbor. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in area studies in Michigan.

There were approximately 55 area studies students who graduated with this degree at U-M in the most recent year we have data available.

Students who graduate with their bachelor's from the area studies program state that they receive average early career wages of $32,900.

More information about a bachelor’s in area studies from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

18
54 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In NY
#1 Best Quality In NY

Cornell is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the small city of Ithaca. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in area studies in New York.

There were about 54 area studies individuals who graduated with this degree at Cornell in the most recent year we have data available.

Those area studies students who get their bachelor's degree from Cornell University make $8,638 more than the typical area studies graduate.

More information about a bachelor’s in area studies from Cornell University

18
54 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In UT
#3 Best Quality In UT

Located in the city of Logan, USU is a public university with a very large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #3 in quality for bachelor's degrees in area studies in Utah.

There were roughly 54 area studies students who graduated with this degree at USU in the most recent year we have data available.

Students who graduate with their bachelor's from the area studies program report average early career earnings of $21,200.

More information about a bachelor’s in area studies from Utah State University

20
48 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#3 Most Popular In NY
#8 Best Quality In NY

Located in the large city of Bronx, Fordham U is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #8 in quality for bachelor's degrees in area studies in New York.

There were approximately 48 area studies students who graduated with this degree at Fordham U in the most recent data year.

Area Studies bachelor's degree recipients from Fordham University earn a boost of about $5,538 above the average income of area studies majors.

More information about a bachelor’s in area studies from Fordham University

21
Emory crest
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
46 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In GA
#1 Best Quality In GA

Located in the city of Atlanta, Emory is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in area studies in Georgia.

There were about 46 area studies individuals who graduated with this degree at Emory in the most recent year we have data available.

Those area studies students who get their bachelor's degree from Emory University make $8,838 more than the typical area studies student.

More information about a bachelor’s in area studies from Emory University

21
Yale crest
Yale University
New Haven, CT
46 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In CT
#1 Best Quality In CT

Located in the midsize city of New Haven, Yale is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in area studies in Connecticut.

There were about 46 area studies students who graduated with this degree at Yale in the most recent year we have data available.

Those area studies students who get their bachelor's degree from Yale University earn $7,038 more than the average area studies grad.

More information about a bachelor’s in area studies from Yale University

23
Oberlin crest
Oberlin College
Oberlin, OH
43 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In OH
$16,700 Median Salary

Located in the town of Oberlin, Oberlin is a private not-for-profit college with a small student population.

There were roughly 43 area studies individuals who graduated with this degree at Oberlin in the most recent year we have data available.

After graduating, area studies bachelor's recipients usually make around $16,700 in their early careers.

More information about a bachelor’s in area studies from Oberlin College

24
42 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In AZ
#2 Best Quality In AZ

Located in the large city of Tucson, University of Arizona is a public university with a fairly large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #2 in quality for bachelor's degrees in area studies in Arizona.

There were about 42 area studies individuals who graduated with this degree at University of Arizona in the most recent year we have data available.

After graduation, area studies bachelor's recipients typically make about $27,900 in their early careers.

More information about a bachelor’s in area studies from University of Arizona

25
Wellesley crest
Wellesley College
Wellesley, MA
41 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In MA
#2 Best Quality In MA

Located in the large suburb of Wellesley, Wellesley is a private not-for-profit college with a small student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for bachelor's degrees in area studies in Massachusetts.

There were about 41 area studies students who graduated with this degree at Wellesley in the most recent data year.

Those area studies students who get their bachelor's degree from Wellesley College make $3,638 more than the average area studies student.

More information about a bachelor’s in area studies from Wellesley College

25
Wellesley crest
Wellesley College
Wellesley, MA
25
Dartmouth crest
Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH
25
NYU crest
New York University
New York, NY
28
Smith crest
Smith College
Northampton, MA
29
29
29
William & Mary crest
William & Mary
Williamsburg, VA

32

33
Trinity Bantams crest
Trinity College
Hartford, CT
34
URichmond crest
University of Richmond
University of Richmond, VA
34
Conn College crest
Connecticut College
New London, CT
36
Barnard crest
Barnard College
New York, NY
37
Dickinson crest
Dickinson College
Carlisle, PA
37
39
Tufts crest
Tufts University
Medford, MA
40

40

42
42
Amherst crest
Amherst College
Amherst, MA
44
45
Harvard crest
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
45
Duke crest
Duke University
Durham, NC
45
48
St. Olaf crest
St Olaf College
Northfield, MN
48
KU crest
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS

Remaining Award Winners

This section shows the remainder of the colleges awarded a Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Colleges for Area Studies badge. Showing in this list means the school was ranked in the top 15% of the 426 different United States area studies schools we analyzed.

Rank College Location
48 Stony Brook University Stony Brook, NY
48 University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT
48 University of Maryland - College Park College Park, MD
48 St Olaf College Northfield, MN
54 University of Notre Dame Notre Dame, IN
54 University at Albany Albany, NY
56 Middlebury College Middlebury, VT
57 University of Iowa Iowa City, IA
57 Colby College Waterville, ME
57 University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA
57 University of California - San Diego La Jolla, CA
57 Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN
62 Stanford University Stanford, CA
62 Williams College Williamstown, MA
62 Binghamton University Vestal, NY
62 Carleton College Northfield, MN
62 University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, CO

Additional Noteworthy Schools

Here are some additional great schools for Area Studies students that almost earned our Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Colleges for Area Studies award.

Rank College Location
67 Davidson College Davidson, NC
67 The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL
67 University of California - Riverside Riverside, CA
70 University of Hawaii at Manoa Honolulu, HI
70 University of California - Irvine Irvine, CA
70 Furman University Greenville, SC
70 Vassar College Poughkeepsie, NY
74 American University Washington, DC
74 Tulane University of Louisiana New Orleans, LA
74 University of Maryland - Baltimore County Baltimore, MD
74 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL
74 Princeton University Princeton, NJ
74 Florida State University Tallahassee, FL
74 Western Washington University Bellingham, WA
81 California State University - Chico Chico, CA
81 Scripps College Claremont, CA
81 University of New Mexico - Main Campus Albuquerque, NM
81 California State University - Northridge Northridge, CA
81 University of Oregon Eugene, OR

Area Studies by Region

View the Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Colleges for Area Studies for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

One of 1 majors within the Area, Ethnic, Culture, & Gender Studies area of study, Area Studies has other similar majors worth exploring.

Area Studies Focus Areas

Major Annual Graduates
American U.S. Studies 1,133
Asian Studies 856
Area Studies, Other 686
Latin American Studies 448
East Asian Studies 426
Near & Middle Eastern Studies 210
African Studies 138
French Studies 126
Russian Studies 115
European Studies 95

Related Major Annual Graduates
Ethnic Studies 5,997

Notes and References

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