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Area Studies at University at Albany

Albany, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
27 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
27
Optimistic
27
Base Case
27
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,808/yr (-8% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Small (1,100 openings/yr)
ROI 10.5x earnings multiple (3.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #40 of 66 Area Studies programs

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 $429K $437K $422K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.3x 10.5x 10.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.7x 3.8x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 55% 48% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 27 27 27

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$41,632
Out-of-state: $115,992 (3.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,944
-78% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,361
7.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $32,808/yr, Area Studies graduates from University at Albany land near the $35,677 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 10.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 2% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Area Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,361 against $32,808/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #40 ranking among 66 Area Studies programs places University at Albany in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About University at Albany

University at Albany accepts 70% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 12,100 in Albany, NY. With 42% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at University at Albany →

Top Career Paths

Area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondary $84,290/yr
View all 1 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 66 schools offering Area Studies →

Area Studies at Other Schools

Yale University ($55,618) Nevada State University ($54,607) William & Mary ($53,779) University of California-Berkeley ($50,728) Miami University-Oxford ($50,637) Amherst College ($49,149) University of Maryland Global Campus ($48,650) Dartmouth College ($48,565)

Other Majors at University at Albany

Applied Mathematics ($65,604) Accounting and Related Services ($55,124) Mathematics and Statistics, Other ($51,917) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($49,759) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($48,605) Chemistry ($48,276) Mathematics ($45,744) Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management ($45,637)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 27/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Area Studies at University at Albany?
At 27/100, 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 University at Albany?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →