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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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Best Schools for Area Studies in Massachusetts
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall area studies education in Massachusetts.
Top Schools in Area Studies
Harvard University is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in area studies. Harvard University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Cambridge. The six-year graduation rate is 98%. About 81 area studies degrees were awarded at Harvard University in the most recent year. Area Studies graduates of Harvard University earn a median of $95,207 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete this degree.
More information about a degree in area studies from Harvard University
Wellesley College is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in area studies, ranking #2. Set in the suburb of Wellesley, Wellesley College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 92% of students complete a degree within six years here. Wellesley College awarded about 14 area studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, area studies degree recipients from Wellesley College generally make around $43,231. Students borrow a median of $9,525 to complete this degree.
Read more about the area studies program at Wellesley College
Williams College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best area studies schools. Set in the town of Williamstown, Williams College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. About 94% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 17 area studies students who graduated with this degree at Williams College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their area studies degree from Williams College earn around $38,595 in the first couple years of their career. Williams College graduates carry a median of $12,615 in student loans.
Read more about the area studies program at Williams College
Boston University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in area studies, ranking #4. Boston University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Boston. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. About 18 area studies degrees were awarded at Boston University in the most recent year. Graduates of the area studies program make about $63,598 in their early career. Boston University graduates carry a median of $25,232 in student loans.
Read more about the area studies program at Boston University
A rank of #5 makes Amherst College one of the top schools for area studies. Amherst College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Amherst. Amherst College graduates 94% of students within six years. Amherst College awarded about 11 area studies degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their area studies degree from Amherst College earn around $49,149 in the first couple years of their career. Amherst College graduates carry a median of $15,398 in student loans.
Read more about the area studies program at Amherst College
Smith College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best area studies schools. Smith College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Northampton. Smith College graduates 89% of students within six years. There were roughly 19 area studies students who graduated with this degree at Smith College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the area studies program make about $29,878 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $19,000.
Read more about the area studies program at Smith College
Brandeis University placed #7 among the best area studies schools. Set in the city of Waltham, Brandeis University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. About 19 area studies degrees were awarded at Brandeis University in the most recent year. Graduates of the area studies program make about $43,748 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete this degree.
Get the full area studies details for Brandeis University