Best colleges for Area Studies in New York
Program-level earnings — not school prestige — rank these. Among the New York programs in the federal field-of-study file, Cornell University leads: its Area Studies graduates earn a median $96,976 four years after finishing, against the field's $56,625 national median. (Scorecard field-of-study, 2026.)
| # | College | Grad earnings, 4 yrs | Vs field median |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cornell University | $96,976 | +$40,351 |
| 2 | Columbia University in the City of New York | $96,884 | +$40,259 |
| 3 | Fordham University | $75,563 | +$18,938 |
Frequently asked questions
Which New York college is best for Area Studies?
By graduate earnings, Cornell University — its Area Studies bachelor's graduates earn a median $96,976 four years out, the highest of the 3 New York programs in the federal file.
What do Area Studies graduates earn in New York?
Across the ranked New York programs, median earnings four years after completion run from $75,563 to $96,976. The field's national median is $56,625.
Is a Area Studies degree worth it?
On national medians, yes — Area Studies graduates earn $8,265/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline. See the full field profile for payback math.