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Area Studies at University of Maryland-Baltimore County

Baltimore, MD · Public · Bachelor's Degree
27 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
27
Optimistic
27
Base Case
27
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,545/yr (-14% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Small (1,100 openings/yr)
ROI 10.2x earnings multiple (4.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #38 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 $533K $528K $490K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.3x 10.2x 9.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.4x 4.4x 4.0x
Probability of Field Employment 55% 48% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 27 27 27

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$51,808
Out-of-state: $121,232 (4.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,312
-42% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,879
8.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,038
64% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Maryland-Baltimore County's Area Studies program produces graduates earning $30,545/yr — within striking distance of the $35,677 national average for this field.

With a 10.2x 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.

At $21,879 against $30,545/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #38 ranking among 66 Area Studies programs places University of Maryland-Baltimore County in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $30,545-to-$50,038 earnings arc over five years reflects a 64% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Maryland-Baltimore County

A 74% acceptance rate means University of Maryland-Baltimore County is accessible to most applicants, serving 10,434 students in Baltimore, MD.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Maryland-Baltimore County →

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 Maryland-Baltimore County

Computer Engineering ($86,444) Computer Science ($83,684) Mechanical Engineering ($71,519) Chemical Engineering ($66,023) Information Science/Studies ($63,334) Economics ($54,859) Mathematics ($54,362) International/Global Studies ($49,115)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 27/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Area Studies at University of Maryland-Baltimore County?
At 27/100, 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 Maryland-Baltimore County?
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 →