Area Studies bachelor's degree programs in California
Compare 8 reporting programs using the same federal field and bachelor's degree credential definition. Earnings are observed four years after completion.
Highest reported earnings in California
Each bar uses the same field, credential, state and earnings year.
1University of California, BerkeleyBerkeley · $14,972 federal debt$70,3662University of California, Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara · $22,697 federal debt$59,0423California State University, NorthridgeNorthridge · Debt not reported$53,0774University of California, Los AngelesLos Angeles · $17,746 federal debt$51,7555California State University, FullertonFullerton · $17,500 federal debt$50,7396California State University, Long BeachLong Beach · $15,697 federal debt$50,0717California State University, ChicoChico · $16,375 federal debt$41,8188University of California, RiversideRiverside · Debt not reported$39,039
CAREER CONTEXT IN CA
What related occupations pay in California
These are common occupational matches for this field, ranked by the strength of the federal education-to-occupation match.
25-1062Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
- State median wage
- $105,220
- Middle 50% wage range
- $88,110–$148,610
- State employment
- 770
- Projected growth
- +2.7%
- Annual openings
- 1,000
Career wages and employment are BLS estimates for everyone working in each occupation in California; they are not earnings or placement rates for graduates of these programs. Wage ranges show the distribution across workers, not an entry-to-experienced career path. Growth and annual openings are national 2025–35 projections. BLS reports openings in thousands; DegreeVerdict displays the corresponding job count. These figures provide labor-market context and are not used in DegreeVerdict payoff or ROI calculations.
ALL REPORTING PROGRAMS
Compare every available outcome
Sorted by observed year-4 earnings. Open a row for its exact college-and-degree profile.
| # | College | City | Median year-4 earnings | Median federal debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of California, Berkeley | Berkeley | $70,366 | $14,972 |
| 2 | University of California, Santa Barbara | Santa Barbara | $59,042 | $22,697 |
| 3 | California State University, Northridge | Northridge | $53,077 | Not available |
| 4 | University of California, Los Angeles | Los Angeles | $51,755 | $17,746 |
| 5 | California State University, Fullerton | Fullerton | $50,739 | $17,500 |
| 6 | California State University, Long Beach | Long Beach | $50,071 | $15,697 |
| 7 | California State University, Chico | Chico | $41,818 | $16,375 |
| 8 | University of California, Riverside | Riverside | $39,039 | Not available |
This is an observed-outcomes comparison, not a universal quality ranking. Missing and privacy-suppressed programs are excluded.
A quick read on Area Studies in California
What do Area Studies bachelor's degree graduates earn in California?
Across 8 reporting programs, the median observed earnings figure is $50,739 four years after completion.
How much federal debt is reported for these programs?
The median is $16,375 among the 6 programs reporting federal debt.
Which California colleges report the highest earnings for this degree?
The table compares the same federal field, credential and earnings year. University of California, Berkeley has the highest reported figure among the programs shown.