General
Area Ethnic And Civilization Studies
Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Area Ethnic And Civilization Studies.
Entry Level Salary
$40,000
Median Salary
$86,000
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
24.2%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $3,440,000
Entry (Early)
$40,000
Median (Prime)
$86,000
High (Prime)
$92,685
ROI Sensitivity AnalysisAssuming 4 Years to Graduation
This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.
Lifetime Value Added (NPV)
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
-95k
+294k
+348k
$25k / yr
-185k
+204k
+258k
$50k / yr
-275k
+114k
+168k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
26
26
$25k / yr
Never
32
30
$50k / yr
Never
40
36
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-170%
188%
237%
$50k / yr
-127%
52%
77%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).
These figures are medians for past graduates who received federal aid. Your cost and pay will differ. Run your own numbers in the Guided ROI Interview →
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate47.3%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.
Top Professions
Lawyers, judges, and related workers
5.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$121,455
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$154,407|$155,120
openings
31,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.5%
Elementary and middle school teachers
4.9% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$50,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$65,000|$64,170
openings
127,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.4%
Management occupations
4.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$64,311
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$110,064|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%
Postsecondary teachers
4.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$21,617
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$65,586|$82,250
openings
123,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6%
Education and childcare administrators
2.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$52,498
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$90,585|$102,260
openings
44,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +0.1%
Social and community service managers
1.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$40,516
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$77,203|$80,390
openings
18,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +7.2%
Secondary school teachers
1.8% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$52,136
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$72,885|$70,930
openings
70,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.2%
Top executives
1.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$45,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$173,785|$108,510
openings
305,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.9%
Secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive
1.5% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$42,874
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$46,322|$47,540
openings
163,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): -6%
Social workers, all other
1.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$40,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$56,616|$71,900
openings
5,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.3%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 22 to 27 (American Community Survey).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2025–2035).
Program Variants & Earnings Ranges
Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.
Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.
| Program Title | Credential Level | # Colleges | Median Earnings Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| area studies. | Undergrad Certificate | 22 | $43,166 - $63,939 |
| area studies. | Associate's Degree | 5 | Data N/A |
| area studies. | Bachelor's Degree | 345 | $23,742 - $96,976 |
| area studies. | Master's Degree | 96 | $63,629 - $116,125 |
| area studies. | Doctoral Degree | 37 | $47,725 - $90,752 |
| ethnic, cultural minority, gender, and group studies. | Undergrad Certificate | 30 | $46,088 - $69,627 |
| ethnic, cultural minority, gender, and group studies. | Associate's Degree | 52 | $35,455 - $35,455 |
| ethnic, cultural minority, gender, and group studies. | Bachelor's Degree | 386 | $25,137 - $100,712 |
| ethnic, cultural minority, gender, and group studies. | Post-bacc Certificate | 9 | Data N/A |
| ethnic, cultural minority, gender, and group studies. | Master's Degree | 80 | $54,322 - $82,579 |
| ethnic, cultural minority, gender, and group studies. | Doctoral Degree | 39 | $71,882 - $74,436 |
| ethnic, cultural minority, gender, and group studies. | Graduate Certificate | 41 | Data N/A |