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Area Studies at University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
20 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
20
Optimistic
20
Base Case
19
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,304/yr (-1% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Small (1,100 openings/yr)
ROI 2.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #54 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 $585K $574K $524K
Earnings Multiple 2.3x 2.3x 2.1x
Probability of Field Employment 55% 48% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 20 20 19

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$250,772
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$111,292
56% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,250
6.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,279
65% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $35,304/yr, roughly in line with the $35,677 national median for Area Studies. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

At 2.3x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Area Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $18,250 against $35,304/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #54 ranking among 66 Area Studies programs places University of Notre Dame in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $35,304-to-$58,279 earnings arc over five years reflects a 65% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Notre Dame

University of Notre Dame's 12% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, serving 8,923 students in Notre Dame, IN. The average net cost of $111,292 over four years represents a 56% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Notre Dame →

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 of Notre Dame

Finance and Financial Management Services ($99,222) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($96,517) Mathematics and Statistics, Other ($89,689) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($85,861) Mechanical Engineering ($84,999) Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($83,810) Chemical Engineering ($83,377) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($81,057)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 20/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Area Studies at University of Notre Dame?
At 20/100, 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 Notre Dame?
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.
What do students actually pay for Area Studies at University of Notre Dame?
The 56% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $250,772. At a net cost of $111,292, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →