Area Studies at Tufts University
Bachelor's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How Tufts University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Tufts University graduates earn $44k, placing them in the 77th percentile of all area studies bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Area Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (28 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tufts University | $44,133 | $54,435 | — | — |
| Amherst College | $49,149 | $49,923 | — | — |
| Brandeis University | $43,748 | $55,201 | $26,000 | 0.59 |
| Wellesley College | $43,231 | $55,437 | $9,525 | 0.22 |
| Williams College | $38,595 | $67,794 | — | — |
| Smith College | $29,878 | $40,081 | $19,000 | 0.64 |
| National Median | $34,211 | — | $20,552 | 0.60 |
Other Area Studies Programs in Massachusetts
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Massachusetts schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amherst College Amherst | $67,280 | $49,149 | — |
| Brandeis University Waltham | $64,946 | $43,748 | $26,000 |
| Wellesley College Wellesley | $64,320 | $43,231 | $9,525 |
| Williams College Williamstown | $64,860 | $38,595 | — |
| Smith College Northampton | $61,568 | $29,878 | $19,000 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Tufts University, approximately 12% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 26 graduates with reported earnings and 15 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.