2026 Highest Paid Area Studies Master’s Degree Graduates

1

Stanford University
Stanford, CA

For graduate earnings in area studies, no school beat Stanford University this year. Located in the suburb of Stanford, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. After graduating, area studies degree recipients from Stanford University typically earn about $94,964 annually.

2

George Washington University
Washington, DC

Strong graduate earnings at George Washington University earned it the #2 place for area studies. Set in the city of Washington, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. After graduating, area studies degree recipients from George Washington University typically earn about $87,023 annually.

3

Georgetown University
Washington, DC

Georgetown University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying area studies schools. Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington. Students who complete the area studies program here go on to a median salary of roughly $92,225.

4

University Of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

Strong graduate earnings at University Of California Los Angeles earned it the #4 place for area studies. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. After graduating, area studies degree recipients from University Of California Los Angeles typically earn about $73,216 annually.

5

University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA

A rank of #5 makes University Of Washington Seattle Campus one of the highest-paying schools for area studies. Located in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. After graduating, area studies degree recipients from University Of Washington Seattle Campus typically earn about $83,946 annually.

6

The University Of Texas At Austin
Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #6 spot for area studies salaries this year. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school located in the city of Austin. Students who complete the area studies program here go on to a median salary of roughly $74,111.

7

New York University
New York, NY

New York University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying area studies schools. Located in the city of New York, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. After graduating, area studies degree recipients from New York University typically earn about $64,679 annually.

8

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earned the #8 position for area studies graduate earnings this year. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public school located in the city of Ann Arbor. Area Studies graduates of University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earn a median of about $87,185 a year early in their careers.

9

University Of Chicago
Chicago, IL

University Of Chicago came in at #9 for area studies graduate earnings this year. Set in the city of Chicago, University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Students who complete the area studies program here go on to a median salary of roughly $68,367.

10

Columbia University In The City Of New York
New York, NY

Columbia University In The City Of New York placed #10 among the highest-paying schools for area studies. Located in the city of New York, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. After graduating, area studies degree recipients from Columbia University In The City Of New York typically earn about $42,327 annually.