2027 Best Value Area Studies Schools in District of Columbia
[Area Studies](/majors/ethnic-cultural-gender-studies/area-studies/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 3 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value area studies schools.
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2027 Best Value Area Studies Schools in District of Columbia
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in area studies, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Area Studies Schools
Leading the list is George Washington University, our #1 best value for area studies in District of Columbia. Set in the city of Washington, George Washington University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,710. Area Studies graduates carry a median of $25,500 in student loans. Area Studies graduates of George Washington University earn a median of $73,749 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. George Washington University admits about 47% of applicants.
A rank of #2 makes Georgetown University one of the best values for area studies. Georgetown University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,089. Students borrow a median of $16,483 to complete the area studies program here. Area Studies graduates of Georgetown University earn a median of $64,851 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Georgetown University admits about 13% of applicants.
American University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in area studies, landing the #3 spot this year. American University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington. Students from in state pay about $58,771 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the area studies program here. Soon after graduation, area studies degree recipients from American University generally make around $43,671. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted.
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 3 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
