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Area Studies at CUNY Queens College

Queens, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
18 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
19
Optimistic
18
Base Case
17
Pessimistic
Earnings $16,733/yr (-53% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Small (1,100 openings/yr)
ROI 11.6x earnings multiple (5.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #60 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 $329K $349K $357K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.9x 11.6x 11.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.3x 5.6x 5.8x
Probability of Field Employment 55% 48% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 19 18 17

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$30,152
Out-of-state: $61,952 (5.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$15,320
49% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $16,733/yr fall 53% below the $35,677 national median for Area Studies. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 11.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The -8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Area Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

A #60 ranking among 66 Area Studies programs places CUNY Queens College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About CUNY Queens College

With a 69% acceptance rate, CUNY Queens College is moderately selective, serving 13,060 students in Queens, NY. With 48% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum. After financial aid, the average student pays $15,320 over four years — 49% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at CUNY Queens College →

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 CUNY Queens College

Computer Science ($63,632) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($58,894) Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language ($48,923) Finance and Financial Management Services ($45,168) Accounting and Related Services ($45,158) Urban Studies/Affairs ($42,995) Economics ($39,377) Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics ($37,654)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 18/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Area Studies at CUNY Queens College?
At 18/100, 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 CUNY Queens College?
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 CUNY Queens College a good choice for Area Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If CUNY Queens College'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 →