Cheapest Area Studies Colleges in Maryland

Area Studies programs in Maryland span a $14,581 cost gap between the most affordable option at University of Maryland Global Campus ($14,514) and the priciest at Washington College ($29,095). Public institutions dominate the lower end, with UMD-College Park graduates earning $38,829 annually despite the program's $15,590 net cost. The state's proximity to federal agencies and international organizations creates strong demand for Area Studies graduates, particularly those specializing in security studies and regional analysis. Johns Hopkins stands out with a 94.6% graduation rate and highly selective 7.25% acceptance rate, reflecting the program's academic rigor.

Programs

$14,514 – $29,095

Net Price Range

$29,979

Avg. Program Earnings

67.2%

Avg. Graduation Rate

10 Area Studies Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Maryland Global Campus Adelphi, Maryland	$14,514	$7,992	29.6%
2	University of Maryland-College Park College Park, Maryland	$15,590	$11,505	88.6%	44.6%
3	Towson University Towson, Maryland	$16,791	$11,306	67.6%	78.6%
4	Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, Maryland	$18,161	$63,340	94.6%	7.3%
5	University of Maryland-Baltimore County Baltimore, Maryland	$18,328	$12,952	70.6%	80.6%
6	St. Mary's College of Maryland St. Mary's City, Maryland	$18,362	$15,236	68.0%	77.3%
7	McDaniel College Westminster, Maryland	$20,923	$49,647	63.8%	82.1%
8	Hood College Frederick, Maryland	$23,707	$45,870	55.3%	77.9%
9	Goucher College Baltimore, Maryland	$23,774	$51,250	60.0%	80.2%
10	Washington College Chestertown, Maryland	$29,095	$54,356	74.1%	74.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Maryland Global Campus the cheapest Area Studies option?

The online-focused campus offers Area Studies at just $14,514 net cost, nearly $1,000 less than the next cheapest option. However, the program has a 29.6% graduation rate, significantly lower than other Maryland institutions.

How do public and private Area Studies programs compare in Maryland?

Public universities average around $16,000 in net costs while private colleges range from $18,161 to $29,095. Johns Hopkins represents the exception among private schools with its $18,161 net cost despite a $63,340 sticker price.

Does Area Studies lead to good earnings in Maryland?

Graduates show wide earning variation, from $17,470 at McDaniel College to $38,829 at UMD-College Park. The proximity to federal agencies and think tanks in the D.C. metro area creates opportunities for higher-paying positions.

Where do most Area Studies students find the best value?

UMD-College Park offers the strongest combination of affordability ($15,590 net cost) and outcomes ($38,829 earnings, 88.6% graduation rate). Towson University provides another solid option at $16,791 with $36,141 in graduate earnings.

More Area Studies Rankings

Best Value Area Studies in Maryland Area Studies Under $20,000 in Maryland

All Area Studies Programs Best Colleges in Maryland Best Area Studies in Maryland

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.