Area Studies at University at Albany
Albany, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
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)
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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,361
7.8 months of Year 1 earnings
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
Compare & Explore
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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 →