Area Studies at Brigham Young University

BYU's area studies graduates start modestly at $37,019—about 8% above the national median for this field—but the trajectory tells a more compelling story. By year four, earnings jump to $55,711, representing 51% growth and significantly outpacing both national and Utah benchmarks. Among Utah's four area studies programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile, ahead of the state's typical outcomes for this degree.

The financial equation here is unusually favorable. At just $10,236 in median debt, graduates owe less than half the national median for area studies majors and maintain a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28—meaning they could theoretically pay off their loans in under four months of gross earnings. This positions BYU in the 95th percentile nationally for low debt, a critical advantage that removes much of the financial risk typically associated with humanities degrees.

For an Area Studies program, which generally produces lower initial earnings than professional degrees, this combination of below-average debt and above-average earnings growth creates practical runway. Graduates aren't burdened by loan payments while building careers that clearly gain traction after the first year. If your child is drawn to international or cultural studies and BYU's environment fits, the numbers support that choice better than most alternatives in this field.