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Area Studies at University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $23,819/yr (-33% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)

Job Market Very Small (1,100 openings/yr)

ROI 12.0x earnings multiple (3.7x out-of-state)

Ranked #34 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	$686K	$663K	$590K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.5x	12.0x	10.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.9x	3.7x	3.3x
Probability of Field Employment	55%	48%	36%
DegreeOutlook Score	29	28	28

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$54,988

Out-of-state: $178,096 (3.7x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$56,052

-2% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$17,090

8.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$60,726

155% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $23,819 per year, Area Studies graduates from University of California-Los Angeles earn below the $35,677 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 12.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 14% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Area Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $17,090 against $23,819/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #34 ranking among 66 Area Studies programs places University of California-Los Angeles in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $23,819-to-$60,726 earnings arc over five years reflects a 155% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-Los Angeles

With just 9% of applicants admitted, University of California-Los Angeles ranks among the nation's most selective schools, serving a student body of 33,040 in Los Angeles, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Los Angeles →

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

Other Majors at University of California-Los Angeles

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 28/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Area Studies at University of California-Los Angeles?

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 California-Los Angeles?

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 University of California-Los Angeles a good choice for Area Studies despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If University of California-Los Angeles'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 →