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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 The Plains States Region
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the area studies degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Area Studies Schools
Leading the list is University Of Missouri Columbia, our #1 best value for area studies in the The Plains States Region. Located in the city of Columbia, University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $14,837 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. Area Studies graduates carry a median of $24,250 in student loans. Soon after graduation, area studies degree recipients from University Of Missouri Columbia generally make around $44,096. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Missouri Columbia admits about 78% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in area studies will find it at Washington University In St Louis, which ranked #2. Washington University In St Louis is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of St. Louis. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,790. Typical student debt for area studies graduates is $17,553. Area Studies graduates of Washington University In St Louis earn a median of $30,716 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 12% of applicants are accepted.
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. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
