Area Studies at The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
29
Optimistic
29
Base Case
30
Pessimistic
Earnings
$29,746/yr (-17% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market
Very Small (1,100 openings/yr)
ROI
11.8x earnings multiple (3.2x out-of-state)
How AI Changes the Outlook
Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Area Studies graduates.
| Optimistic No Disruption |
Base Case Gradual AI |
Pessimistic Aggressive AI |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Earnings | $559K | $551K | $507K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 12.0x | 11.8x | 10.9x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.3x | 3.2x | 3.0x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 55% | 48% | 36% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 29 | 29 | 30 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$46,712
Out-of-state: $171,112 (3.2x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,750
8.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,619
77% growth from Year 1
About The University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin admits 29% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, with 42,100 students enrolled in Austin, TX.
See all programs and financial aid at The University of Texas at Austin →Top Career Paths
Area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondary
$84,290/yr
Compare & Explore
Area Studies at Other Schools
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 29/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Area Studies at The University of Texas at Austin?
At 29/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Area Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Area Studies at The University of Texas at Austin?
The 50% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is The University of Texas at Austin a good choice for Area Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If The University of Texas at Austin's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →