by our College Data Analytics Team
[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 1 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value area studies schools.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the area studies degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is Middlebury College, our #1 best value for area studies in Vermont. Middlebury College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Middlebury. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,600. Area Studies graduates carry a median of $11,593 in student loans. Early-career area studies graduates make about $40,467. Set against $11,593 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Middlebury College admits about 11% of applicants.
This list is compiled 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 · 1 school evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the one ranked school only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.