Area Studies at University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ · Public · Bachelor's Degree
28 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
29
Optimistic
28
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,480/yr (-12% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Small (1,100 openings/yr)
ROI 10.0x earnings multiple (3.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #33 of 66 Area Studies programs Top 50%

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 $549K $543K $501K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.1x 10.0x 9.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.3x 3.3x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 55% 48% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 29 28 29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$54,504
Out-of-state: $164,380 (3.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$63,840
-17% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,750
9.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,408
66% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $31,480/yr, roughly in line with the $35,677 national median for Area Studies. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

A 10.0x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Area Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $23,750 against $31,480/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #33 ranking among 66 Area Studies programs places University of Arizona in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $31,480-to-$52,408 earnings arc over five years reflects a 66% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Arizona

University of Arizona accepts 86% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with 40,769 students enrolled in Tucson, AZ.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Arizona →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 28/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Area Studies at University of Arizona?
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 Arizona?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →