Area Studies at Dartmouth College

Dartmouth's Area Studies graduates start at $48,565—already above the national median for this field—then jump 46% to $71,072 by year four. That trajectory matters more than the modest first-year salary. While the program ranks at the 95th percentile nationally, the 60th percentile ranking within New Hampshire reflects the small number of schools offering this degree in-state rather than any weakness in outcomes.

The $16,520 in median debt sits comfortably below the national benchmark of $20,552 for this program, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 that most graduates can manage. Area Studies typically attracts students headed toward graduate school, international organizations, or roles where the first job is a stepping stone rather than the destination. The strong earnings growth suggests these graduates are advancing as planned, likely leveraging Dartmouth's alumni network and the critical thinking skills this interdisciplinary degree develops.

For families comfortable with Dartmouth's highly selective environment and tuition structure, this program delivers solid returns despite its generalist nature. The low debt load and accelerating earnings make it a viable path, particularly for students planning further education where pedigree matters. Just recognize that immediate post-graduation earnings won't match pre-professional programs—the value materializes over time.