Area Studies at University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
29
Optimistic
28
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings
$31,480/yr (-12% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market
Very Small (1,100 openings/yr)
ROI
10.0x earnings multiple (3.3x 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 | $549K | $543K | $501K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 10.1x | 10.0x | 9.2x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.3x | 3.3x | 3.0x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 55% | 48% | 36% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 29 | 28 | 29 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$54,504
Out-of-state: $164,380 (3.3x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,750
9.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,408
66% growth from Year 1
About University of Arizona
University of Arizona accepts 86% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with 40,769 students enrolled in Tucson, AZ.
See all programs and financial aid at University of Arizona →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 28/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Area Studies at University of Arizona?
At 28/100, 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 of Arizona?
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 →