Best Area Studies Schools in Illinois
Illinois has 4 colleges offering Area Studies programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 105 recent graduates. Graduates earn $32,040 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $32,868.
4
Schools in IL
$32,040
IL Avg. Earnings
$32,868
National Avg.
98
Schools Nationally
Public vs Private: Area Studies in Illinois
Public Schools (2)
$33,074
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (2)
$31,006
avg. 2yr earnings
Public schools in Illinois produce comparable or higher early earnings for Area Studies graduates, often at lower cost — making them strong value options.
Area Studies Schools in Illinois, Ranked by Earnings
#1
U
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL · Public
$35,594
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $32,224
Graduates: 61
Acceptance: 43.7%
#2
D
DePaul University
Chicago, IL · Private
$33,993
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $28,163
Graduates: 23
Acceptance: 73.5%
#3
U
University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, IL · Public
$30,554
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $32,968
Graduates: 21
Acceptance: 78.5%
#4
N
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL · Private
$28,019
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 7.1%
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best school for Area Studies in Illinois?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ranks #1 for Area Studies in Illinois with median graduate earnings of $35,594 within two years of graduation. There are 4 schools offering Area Studies programs in the state.
How much do Area Studies graduates earn in Illinois?
Area Studies graduates in Illinois earn an average of $32,040 within two years of graduation. This is 3% below the national average of $32,868 for this major.
What is the hardest Area Studies school to get into in Illinois?
Northwestern University is the most selective Area Studies program in Illinois with an acceptance rate of 7.1%. The average acceptance rate across Area Studies programs in the state is 50.7%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Area Studies in Illinois?
In Illinois, private Area Studies programs produce average earnings of $31,006 vs $33,074 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 2 public and 2 private options in the state.
Other Popular Majors in Illinois
Mathematics and Computer Science $76,967 Chemical Engineering $69,173 Industrial Engineering $69,102 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $68,897 Engineering, General $67,238 Computer Science $66,656 Computer Engineering $65,978 Materials Engineering $64,773
All colleges in Illinois → Area Studies in Other States
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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.