2026 Best Area Studies Schools in the Southeast Region

1

Duke University
Durham, NC

Our analysis ranked Duke University the best school in the country for a degree in area studies. Located in the city of Durham, Duke University is a large private not-for-profit university. Roughly 97% of students complete a degree within six years here. Duke University awarded about 63 area studies degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their area studies degree from Duke University earn around $83,388 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $13,296 to complete this degree. Read more about the area studies program at Duke University

2

Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in area studies, ranking #2. Vanderbilt University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Nashville. Vanderbilt University graduates 94% of students within six years. About 16 area studies degrees were awarded at Vanderbilt University in the most recent year. Graduates of the area studies program make about $77,997 in their early career. Vanderbilt University graduates carry a median of $13,975 in student loans. Get the full area studies details for Vanderbilt University

3

University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

Students looking for a strong area studies program will find one at University Of Florida, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public university. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 23 area studies degrees were awarded at University Of Florida in the most recent year. Graduates of the area studies program make about $58,388 in their early career. University Of Florida graduates carry a median of $17,669 in student loans. See the full area studies program report for University Of Florida

4

College Of William And Mary
Williamsburg, VA

College Of William And Mary is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in area studies, ranking #4. College Of William And Mary is a large public school located in the suburb of Williamsburg. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. College Of William And Mary awarded about 33 area studies degrees in the most recent data year. Area Studies graduates of College Of William And Mary earn a median of $53,779 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $15,250. More information about a degree in area studies from College Of William And Mary

5

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC

Students looking for a strong area studies program will find one at University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill, which ranked #5. Set in the city of Chapel Hill, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public institution. About 91% of students finish within six years. About 107 area studies degrees were awarded at University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, area studies degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill generally make around $31,955. Typical student debt for the program is $13,000. See the full area studies program report for University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

6

University Of Kentucky
Lexington, KY

University Of Kentucky landed the #6 spot for area studies this year. University Of Kentucky is a very large public school located in the city of Lexington. The six-year graduation rate is 71%. There were roughly 16 area studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of Kentucky in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, area studies degree recipients from University Of Kentucky generally make around $49,568. Students borrow a median of $24,094 to complete this degree. Read more about the area studies program at University Of Kentucky

7

University Of South Carolina Columbia
Columbia, SC

University Of South Carolina Columbia ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best area studies schools. University Of South Carolina Columbia is a very large public school located in the city of Columbia. University Of South Carolina Columbia graduates 79% of students within six years. University Of South Carolina Columbia awarded about 25 area studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the area studies program make about $32,064 in their early career. University Of South Carolina Columbia graduates carry a median of $20,125 in student loans. More information about a degree in area studies from University Of South Carolina Columbia

8

Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GA

Kennesaw State University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best area studies schools. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Kennesaw. Roughly 52% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 31 area studies students who graduated with this degree at Kennesaw State University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their area studies degree from Kennesaw State University earn around $53,824 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $27,004 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in area studies from Kennesaw State University

9

University Of Mississippi Main Campus
University, MS

University Of Mississippi Main Campus landed the #9 spot for area studies this year. This very large public university is located in the town of University. The six-year graduation rate is 72%. University Of Mississippi Main Campus awarded about 21 area studies degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their area studies degree from University Of Mississippi Main Campus earn around $50,876 in the first couple years of their career. University Of Mississippi Main Campus graduates carry a median of $22,444 in student loans. Get the full area studies details for University Of Mississippi Main Campus

10

Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA

Virginia Commonwealth University landed the #10 spot for area studies this year. Set in the city of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University is a very large public institution. About 63% of students finish within six years. About 33 area studies degrees were awarded at Virginia Commonwealth University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, area studies degree recipients from Virginia Commonwealth University generally make around $35,557. Students borrow a median of $23,500 to complete this degree. Read more about the area studies program at Virginia Commonwealth University

11

Florida International University
Miami, FL

Florida International University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best area studies schools. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Miami. Roughly 74% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 59 area studies students who graduated with this degree at Florida International University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their area studies degree from Florida International University earn around $19,457 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $21,544 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in area studies from Florida International University