2027 Best Value Area Studies Schools in the Southwest Region

1

Rice University
Houston, TX

For return on investment in area studies, no school beat Rice University this year. Rice University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Houston. Students from in state pay about $61,247 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $11,904 to complete the area studies program here. Soon after graduation, area studies degree recipients from Rice University generally make around $75,299. That is a strong return on a $11,904 median debt. The acceptance rate is 8%.

2

Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Arizona State University earned it the #2 place for area studies. Arizona State University is a very large public school located in the city of Tempe. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,842 to complete the area studies program here. Early-career area studies graduates make about $55,876. That is a strong return on a $21,842 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%.

3

University Of New Mexico Main Campus
Albuquerque, NM

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of New Mexico Main Campus earned it the #3 place for area studies. Located in the city of Albuquerque, University Of New Mexico Main Campus is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,140, while out-of-state students pay about $33,060. Students borrow a median of $19,250 to complete the area studies program here. Soon after graduation, area studies degree recipients from University Of New Mexico Main Campus generally make around $49,983. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of New Mexico Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants.

4

University Of Arizona
Tucson, AZ

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Arizona earned it the #4 place for area studies. Set in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,573, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. Area Studies graduates carry a median of $24,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, area studies degree recipients from University Of Arizona generally make around $31,480. That is a strong return on a $24,500 median debt. University Of Arizona admits about 86% of applicants.

5

The University Of Texas At Austin
Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #5 on our 2027 list of the best value area studies schools. Located in the city of Austin, The University Of Texas At Austin is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for area studies graduates is $22,215. Soon after graduation, area studies degree recipients from The University Of Texas At Austin generally make around $38,223. That is a strong return on a $22,215 median debt. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants.