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Area Studies at University of Puget Sound

Tacoma, WA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $29,232/yr (-18% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)

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

ROI 1.7x earnings multiple

Ranked #63 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	$407K	$417K	$408K
Earnings Multiple	1.7x	1.7x	1.7x
Probability of Field Employment	55%	48%	36%
DegreeOutlook Score	17	17	18

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$239,600

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$155,680

35% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$27,000

11.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $29,232 per year, Area Studies graduates from University of Puget Sound earn below the $35,677 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

An earnings multiple of 1.7x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 50% task exposure — and the -0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt-to-$29,232 income ratio translates to about 11 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #63 out of 66 programs, University of Puget Sound's financial outcomes for Area Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About University of Puget Sound

With 76% of applicants admitted, University of Puget Sound prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 1,631 students in Tacoma, WA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $155,680 — 35% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Puget Sound →

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 Puget Sound

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Puget Sound's Area Studies program score?

This program scores 17/100 — on the lower end for Area Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Area Studies to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Area Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 50% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Why are Area Studies earnings lower at University of Puget Sound?

Lower starting pay at University of Puget Sound may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →