### SUMMARY

 Studying American Studies is a valuable choice and commonly a requisite first step for undergrads seeking to pursue a career as an american linguistics professor, a writer, or an archivist. In fact, american studies is an uncommon major coming in at the 196th most popular area of study. Last year alone, there were 1,207 american studies graduates. In-state tuition for american studies at private schools is, on average, 4.4 times more spendy than their public peers.

 There are 204 schools that offer american studies. This number of universities is on par with other programs offered in the United States. If you're hoping to immerse yourself with other american studies undergraduates, consider looking at colleges in California which have the most students admitted to american studies annually. More generally, the top region to major in american studies is in the New England region with [Wesleyan University](/colleges/wesleyan-university), [Yale University](/colleges/yale-university), and [Tufts University](/colleges/tufts-university) best representing the region. Interestingly, our selection for the best conference to study american studies is the New England Small College Athletic Conference with [Wesleyan University](/colleges/wesleyan-university), [Colby College](/colleges/colby-college), and [Tufts University](/colleges/tufts-university) representing the conference. That said, our selection for the best school for american studies is [Stanford University](/colleges/stanford-university), and here you can find our comprehensive list for the [best colleges](/rankings/best-colleges).

 The overall 'best' school does not mean it is the best school for every student. There might be lots of factors to consider when selecting school. External stuff like campus amenities, transportation services, and food might affect one's feelings of which university to attend. At authority.org, we have evaluated the pros and cons for you. If, for example, you are interested in which american studies school has the top campus, the answer is [New York University](/colleges/new-york-university). If you are mostly interested in which university boasts the top campus, we have an entire list [dedicated to that](/rankings/best-college-campuses). We have carefully pored through government databases, professor reviews, student reviews, and more in order to evaluate every U.S. major in an unbiased and informative way. Here you can find our comprehensive list for the schools with the [best student life](/rankings/best-student-life)&nbspand our selection of the university with the best student life for american studies is [Cornell University](/colleges/cornell-university). Curious why? Continue scrolling to learn more about Authority's top selections. Some of our decisions will probably surprise you.

 If price is a major factor in your decisions, you might be cautious about [Columbia University in the City of New York](/colleges/columbia-university-in-the-city-of-new-york). [Columbia University in the City of New York](/colleges/columbia-university-in-the-city-of-new-york)&nbspappears to be our most expensive college for american studies, at least for out of state attendance. We do have an entire page for the [most expensive](/rankings/most-expensive-colleges)&nbspuniversities that might put the cost of [Columbia University in the City of New York](/colleges/columbia-university-in-the-city-of-new-york)&nbspinto perspective. For more context, you might care to know that american studies is the 5th most expensive major in the nation, with an average expense of $55,000. To zoom out a little, the most expensive state for american studies in the country is Rhode Island demonstrated by a tuition of $57,112 at the main school in Rhode Island Brown University. To zoom out even further, the most expensive region for american studies is the New England region which is best demonstrated with [Amherst College](/colleges/amherst-college) with a cost of $57,640, [Tufts University](/colleges/tufts-university) with a cost of $57,324, and [Brown University](/colleges/brown-university) with a cost of $57,112.

 Our cheapest region for american studies is the Rocky Mountains region which is represented by [Brigham Young University-Provo](/colleges/brigham-young-university-provo) with a cost of $5,790 and [University of Wyoming](/colleges/university-of-wyoming) with a cost of $13,392. On the bright side, the most affordable college for american studies is [California State University-Fullerton](/colleges/california-state-university-fullerton). Authority.org's full list of the most affordable colleges can be explored [here](/rankings/most-affordable-colleges).

 In-state students can expect to pay about $11,800 for a degree in american studies. That cost increases intensely to an average of $30,700 for the out-of-state public-school undergrad. On that note, our choice for the school with the best value for american studies: [Stanford University](/colleges/stanford-university). On this page you can find our comprehensive list about the colleges we believe to be the [best value](/rankings/best-value-colleges)&nbspoverall. That being said, this discussion is predicated on being an out-of-state student. A discussion of value changes when in-state tuition is considered, but as we do not know what state(s) you might qualify for in-state tuition, we are approaching this discussion through out-of-state tuition costs.

 Earnings for american studies students differ widely, but two-years after leaving college graduates will typically earn around $47,200. While there is a lot of variation in earnings; top earners can bring in up to $81,000. Even straight out of college, the lowest end positions within the american studies space make $27,000, which isn't that bad. The top earning grads for american studies have come from [Stanford University](/colleges/stanford-university)&nbspand if you are looking for colleges with all of the [highest earning graduates](/rankings/highest-earning-graduates), Authority has that too.

 The general diversity of american studies sits solid, ranking within the 72nd percentile of majors nationally. The college with the highest composite diversity for american studies is [New York University](/colleges/new-york-university)&nbspand here you can find our comprehensive list for the schools with the [most diversity](/rankings/most-diverse-colleges). The financial diversity of American Studies only is in the 24th percentile compared to all other majors. Racial diversity is actually above financial diversity, ranking in the 64th percentile. White collegians make up the largest share at 57% of scholars majoring in american studies. Additionally, 67% of students seeking an american studies degree are women.

 The median score of american studies professors is 3.8 stars, a ranking that is 5% worse than the average score across every major; which is a subpar ranking. If you are searching for the most popular american studies instructor in the nation, take a look at Richard Carrico from [San Diego State University](/colleges/san-diego-state-university). This might surprise you, but the top rated professors of american studies according to students come from [San Diego State University](/colleges/san-diego-state-university). As we incorporate data beyond just rankings it becomes clear that the college with comprehensively the best professors for american studies is [Stanford University](/colleges/stanford-university). You can find more detail on our evolving ranking methodology of the [best overall professors here](/rankings/best-professors), as well as many of the top examples of professors in the U.S.

 Finally, the most difficult school to get into for american studies is [Stanford University](/colleges/stanford-university). While we do not necessarily see the value in it, we have a general page for the [hardest colleges to get into](/rankings/hardest-colleges-to-get-into). That being said, we hope you understand that approaching college with a perspective mainly derived from superlatives could cause problems. We encourage you to explore our other pages on different topics and peruse some of Authority's background pages on beneficial things to look for as your school search develops.



 ### POPULARITY

 American studies is the 196th most popular degree in America, with 1,207 students receiving their bachelors degree last year. It just beat out #197 [Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics](/rankings/best-colleges-for-classics-and-classical-languages-literatures-and-linguistics), and narrowly lost to #195 [Physiological Psychology](/rankings/best-colleges-for-physiological-psychology).

 The degree is offered at a total of 204 colleges across the nation, and is the 100th most widely offered degree. Given that american studies is offered at 55% of the Top 100 [Best Colleges](/rankings/best-colleges) in America, you can be sure this is a critical degree and the skillsets acquired are likely to last for a long time.

 It is also worth noting that 41% of colleges offering american studies are public making it a pretty accessible field.

 The new england produces the most american studies graduates, largely led by [Wesleyan University](/colleges/wesleyan-university), while it’s the New England Small College Athletic Conference that leads conference totals. As far as states, California ranks highest, with particular help from [California State University-Fullerton](/colleges/california-state-university-fullerton) and [California State University-Long Beach](/colleges/california-state-university-long-beach).

 All that being said, no individual school produces more american studies graduates than [Coastline Community College](/colleges/coastline-community-college), which graduated 87 students last year alone. Although size is critical, another important factor to consider is the program’s density (the percent of all students that study american studies). More students studied american studies as a percentage of total students at [Wesleyan University](/colleges/wesleyan-university) than any other college.



 ### COST

 American studies is the 5th most expensive degree in the US, with a median cost of $54,958 among the top 50 programs (just ahead of #6, [Medieval and Renaissance Studies](rankings/best-colleges-for-medieval-and-renaissance-studies), with a median cost of $54,910).

 New England has the most expensive colleges with great american studies programs predominantly led by [Amherst College](/colleges/amherst-college) with an annual cost of $57,640. The most expensive state for american studies is Rhode Island led by [Brown University](/colleges/brown-university).

 Public schools with solid programs generally charge 77.42% less than private schools for in-state students. However, when looking at out-of-state tuition, the median top 50 Public school charges 41.22% less than the median private school. So, if you're hoping to attend a state school, make sure you're eligible for in-state tuition as soon as possible.

 The most expensive top 25 college for american studies is [Columbia University in the City of New York](/colleges/columbia-university-in-the-city-of-new-york), which is the 3rd most expensive college in the US. The most affordable option in the top 100 is [Brigham Young University-Provo](/colleges/brigham-young-university-provo). It costs just $5,790 per year, but it is its american studies program is ranked #51. If you’re looking for the least expensive option in the top 25, [California State University-Fullerton](/colleges/california-state-university-fullerton)  is probably a good fit for you, ranked #12 with an in-state cost of just $5,742. Another more affordable choice would be #25, [University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill](/colleges/university-of-north-carolina-at-chapel-hill) in Orange County, NC with a cost of $7,019 for in-state students and $34,198 for out-of-state students.



### SALARY

 Enrolling in college is a massive investment for most undergraduates. It's important to be confident you are able to make back that investment. With that in mind, we hope the following income and career insights help you in deciding your major at college.

 The average American Studies major makes a starting income of $33,320 a year (bottom 35%). Later on in their jobs, they can bring in as high as $80,984 to as little as $26,996, but average approximately $47,169. For context, that is 22% higher than the nation wide average.

 The most popular job for an American Studies graduate is Analyst, which generally make roughly $54,000; next are Account Executive and Outside Sales Representative, which by and large earn more or less $36,000 and $42,000 respectively.

 The highest earning region for American Studies graduates is New England. The best paid state for American Studies alumni is ME. Atlantic 10 Conference has the highest earning American Studies graduates of any conference..



### PROFESSORS

 Fast Facts for American Studies: Median Professor Rating: 3.8 / 5, which is below average.

 Instructors always play a mighty role in shaping your college experience, no matter what you study. A great professor may provide inspiration and set you up for future success. Conversely, a bad professor can bring undesirable frustration or even worse... flunk you!

 American Studies professors have a median student rating of 3.8 out of 5, which puts them in the lower 16 percent in the United States grounded in overall professor quality. For context that's 5% under the national median professor rating for all subjects. American Studies professors slightly out-ranked those from ["Painting"](/rankings/best-colleges-for-painting), whereas ["Fashion Merchandising"](/rankings/best-colleges-for-fashion-merchandising)&nbspprofessors ranked one slot above American Studies.

 Now for some statistics about American Studies professors. Colleges located in fringe towns tend to have the best American Studies professors. The Upper Midwest Athletic Conference has the highest rated American Studies professors. The Far West region has the highest rated American Studies professors. Public schools tend to have higher rated American Studies professors than private colleges. Finally, Washington has the highest rated American Studies professors in America.

 Richard Carrico, instructor at [San Diego State University](/colleges/san-diego-state-university)&nbspin San Diego, CA is the most popular American Studies professor in the nation. John Perea, instructor at [San Francisco State University](/colleges/san-francisco-state-university)&nbspin San Francisco, CA is the highest rated American Studies professor in the United States, with a rating of 5 / 5.

 Learn which institutions have the [Best Professors](/rankings/best-professors)!



### STUDENTS

 College can be an extremely formative adventure in one's life; it's a chance for personal progress and development. Undergrads begin to find out what they can become and build the requisite skills to be a successful member of society. But growth is more than sitting in a classroom - the late nights discussing Virginia Woolf with a peer, the wild anecdote gained from an eccentric professor, the exposure to a different life experience. As such, a diverse college experience tremendously improves what you gain from your time spent at school.

 American Studies is a slightly more ethnically diverse major than average\*. 57% of the nation's American Studies majors are white students, followed by latino students (18%), students of other races\*\*(9%), and black students (8%). The most ethnically diverse college\* in the top 100 is [La Salle University](/colleges/la-salle-university)&nbspin Philadelphia, PA.

 Secondly, American Studies significatly skews female, with hardly north of two out of three students majoring in American Studies identifying as women. [The University of the South](/colleges/the-university-of-the-south) in Sewanee, TN has the most gender balanced student body in the top 100.

 Another substantial type of diversity is financial diversity. Sadly, American Studies is one of the US' least fiscally diverse subjects (Bottom 25%). 32% of its majors come from families that earn more than $110,000 per year, 16% are from households earning between $48,000 and $75,000 a year, and 24% grew up in homes earning under $30,000 a year. [University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill](/colleges/university-of-north-carolina-at-chapel-hill) has the most economically diverse students in the top 100.

 Considering each type of diversity, overall HI is the most diverse state for American Studies. The Far West is the most diverse region, and the Pacific-12 Conference is the most diverse conference.

   \* diversity calculations and comparisons are based on [Simpson's Diversity Index](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity_index)   
  \*\* other races is used to refer to non asian, black, latino, or white

  #### Diversity Statistics

  ##### Racial Diversity

 * Asian: 7%
* Black: 8%
* Latino: 18%
* White: 57%
* Other: 9%
  ##### Gender Diversity

 * Male: 33%
* Female: 67%
  ##### Socioeconomic Diversity (By Household Income)

 * Under 30k: 24%
* 30k - 48k: 15%
* 48k - 75k: 16%
* 75k - 110k: 14%
* Over 110k: 32%
  ##### Geographic Diversity

 * In State: 60%
* Out of State: 33%
* International: 8%


Yale University

University of Pennsylvania

Brown University

Stanford University

Vanderbilt University

Columbia University in the City of New York

Georgetown University

University of Notre Dame

Washington University in St Louis

Johns Hopkins University

Cornell University

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Northwestern University

Pomona College

Barnard College

University of Southern California

Emory University

Claremont McKenna College

Middlebury College

Swarthmore College

Tufts University

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Williams College

Amherst College

Wellesley College

Search for the best American Studies colleges according to your filter parameters.

2023 American Studies Salary

There are about 4,306 students enrolled in American Studies in the USA.

SALARY