Area Studies at University of Oregon

Eugene, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
24 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
24
Optimistic
24
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,427/yr (-12% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Small (1,100 openings/yr)
ROI 8.0x earnings multiple (2.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #49 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 $501K $500K $469K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.0x 8.0x 7.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.9x 2.9x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 55% 48% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 24 24 24

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$62,676
Out-of-state: $173,208 (2.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$87,128
-39% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,003
8.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,442
48% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Oregon's Area Studies program produces graduates earning $31,427/yr — within striking distance of the $35,677 national average for this field.

At 8.0x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 50% task exposure — and the 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $21,003 debt-to-$31,427 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #49 out of 66 programs, University of Oregon's financial outcomes for Area Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $31,427 to $46,442 shows 48% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About University of Oregon

A 85% acceptance rate means University of Oregon is accessible to most applicants, serving 19,758 students in Eugene, OR.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Oregon →

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 Oregon

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Oregon's Area Studies program score?
This program scores 24/100 — 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →