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

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

Area Studies at Other Schools

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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 →