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Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis

HUMANITIES Specialization

Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis

Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis graduates earn $40,892 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $16,742 and $67,166. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.

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About Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis

Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis is a focused area of study within Interdisciplinary Studies. Graduates typically earn around $40,892 four years out, a modest return for a focused credential. The program is available at 57 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 375 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. The focus is on writing, analysis, and communication that transfer across industries.

Median Earnings · 1yr: $21,458
Median Earnings · 4yr: $40,892
Colleges Offering: 57
Graduates / Year: 375
Avg Net Price / yr: $27,117

How Much Do Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis Graduates Earn?

Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis graduates earn $40,892 four years out, significantly below average for bachelor's degree holders. The middle 50% of earners fall between $16,742 and $67,166. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $21,458 climbs to $40,892 by year four.

$21,458

1 Year After Graduation

Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.

$40,892

4-Year National Median

Significantly below average. Graduate credentials or high-demand roles can raise this considerably.

$37,350

4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.

Earnings Range

There is a wide earnings spread across Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis graduates. Career path divergence explains most of the range. Law, consulting, and tech-adjacent roles pull the top end up; writing, education, and nonprofit roles tend to sit near the bottom.

$16,742 25th pct.

$40,892 Median

$67,166 75th pct.

Is the Cost Worth It?

At median 4-year earnings of $40,892 and an estimated $108,468 four-year net cost, earnings breakeven against a baseline wage takes approximately 10.0 years. Compare specific programs before committing to a high-cost option.

Based on outcomes from 33 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 375 students who complete Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis programs each year, the majority (45%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

45%

Bachelor's 45%

Post-Bacc Cert. 19%

Master's 17%

What Can You Do With a Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis Degree?

Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis connects to 1 occupations in the job market. Cultural Studies Professors leads at $85,020/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +2.4% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Cultural Studies Professors

$85,020

$66K $111K 25th–75th pct.

Doctoral or professional degree 1,100 openings/yr 11K employed nationally

Reading Comprehension Speaking Instructing Active Listening Writing

Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses pertaining to the culture and development of an area, an ethnic group, or any other group, such as Latin American studies, women's studies, or urban affairs. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as race and ethnic relations, gender studies, and cross-cultural perspectives.

Top Colleges for Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	Harvard University Cambridge, MA · Nonprofit	48	3.7%	$19,066	$101,817
2	College of Micronesia-FSM Pohnpei, FM · Public	28	87.1%	$6,789	$24,651
3	Occidental College Los Angeles, CA · Nonprofit	15	44.2%	$38,263	$75,951
4	Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZ · Public	13	89.6%	$14,158	$54,384
5	Tufts University Medford, MA · Nonprofit	13	11.5%	$39,998	$83,214
6	Northwestern University Evanston, IL · Nonprofit	12	7.7%	$29,167	$89,363
7	University of Washington-Bothell Campus Bothell, WA · Public	10	90.6%	$12,319	$78,466
8	University of California-Irvine Irvine, CA · Public	9	28.6%	$14,251	$80,735
9	Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZ · Public	7	89.9%	$14,967	$62,668
10	Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, FL · Public	7	66.1%	$8,752	$56,746
11	California Institute of the Arts Valencia, CA · Nonprofit	7	32.3%	$46,080	$41,198
12	Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, MA · Nonprofit	6	36%	$26,441	$58,418
13	Pacific Northwest College of Art Portland, OR · Nonprofit	6	74.9%	$35,785	$34,883
14	University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh, PA · Public	5	58.1%	$30,434	$66,125
15	Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, KY · Public	5	93.9%	$10,990	$43,889
16	Pratt Institute-Main Brooklyn, NY · Nonprofit	5	73.3%	$52,659	$54,295
17	Rhode Island School of Design Providence, RI · Nonprofit	5	18.7%	$50,507	$68,140
18	Willamette University Salem, OR · Nonprofit	4	77.1%	$25,121	$56,911
19	University of Miami Coral Gables, FL · Nonprofit	3	18.9%	$37,244	$75,328
20	Liberty University Lynchburg, VA · Nonprofit	2	99%	$29,357	$44,813

View all colleges

Ranked by Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.

College Cost Calculator

Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.

Compare Colleges

Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.

College Match Quiz

Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.

Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis Degree: Pros & Cons

Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis carries financial trade-offs prospective students should weigh carefully. The 1 strengths and 4 concerns below are drawn from College Scorecard earnings, BLS job growth data, and IPEDS completion counts.

PROS

Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $21,458 at graduation to $40,892 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.

CONS

Below-average earnings Four-year median of $40,892 falls below the national median for bachelor's degree holders.
Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
Slow job growth Top related careers project less than 3% growth over the next decade; limited expansion means more competition for new openings.
Long earnings breakeven At median salary and average net price, recovering education costs versus a baseline wage takes roughly 10.0 years.

Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis graduates earn?

Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis graduates earn a national median of $40,892 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $16,742 and $67,166. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis degree?

One year after graduation, Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis degree holders earn a median of $21,458. That climbs to $40,892 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis degree?

Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis degree holders pursue careers including Cultural Studies Professors, which pays a median of $85,020/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis program take?

A Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.

How many colleges offer Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis?

57 colleges and universities in the United States offer Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

Is a Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $40,892 and an average net price of roughly $27,117/yr, a Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.

What is the difference between Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis and Interdisciplinary Studies?

Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis is a focused concentration within the broader Interdisciplinary Studies field. The Interdisciplinary Studies major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.

What skills do employers look for in Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis graduates?

Employers hiring Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis graduates consistently prioritize writing, critical analysis, and cross-cultural communication. Employers value the ability to synthesize complex information clearly, skills that transfer into communications, law, consulting, and content roles.