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Featured Area Studies Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
BA in Anthropology
Explore societal similarities and differences as seen through cultural, biological, archaeological and linguistic lenses when you earn one of your degrees in anthropology from Southern New Hampshire University.
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2026 Best Value Area Studies Schools in the Southwest Region
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in area studies, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Area Studies Schools
For return on investment in area studies, no school beat Arizona State University this year. Located in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,842 to complete the area studies program here. Early-career area studies graduates make about $55,876. That is a strong return on a $21,842 median debt. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants.
University Of Arizona is a great value for students pursuing a degree in area studies, landing the #2 spot this year. University Of Arizona is a very large public school located in the city of Tucson. Students from in state pay about $13,573 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. Students borrow a median of $24,500 to complete the area studies program here. Soon after graduation, area studies degree recipients from University Of Arizona generally make around $31,480. That is a strong return on a $24,500 median debt. University Of Arizona admits about 86% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in area studies will find it at The University Of Texas At Austin, which ranked #3. The University Of Texas At Austin is a very large public school located in the city of Austin. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for area studies graduates is $22,215. Early-career area studies graduates make about $38,223. Set against $22,215 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 27%.
Narrow Area Studies Schools by State
[Area Studies](/majors/ethnic-cultural-gender-studies/area-studies/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
