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Anthropology Colleges Under $10,000

Programs with net price under $10,000. See our methodology.

Texas A&M University-Central Texas delivers the nation's most affordable anthropology education at just $1,113 net cost, representing a massive $4,533 savings compared to California State University-Stanislaus. This cost advantage matters significantly in a field where graduates typically earn $25,194 to $38,289 annually. The City University of New York system dominates affordable anthropology education, placing seven campuses in the top 15 most budget-friendly programs nationwide. CUNY graduates enter a job market where New York's museums, cultural institutions, and research organizations actively recruit anthropologists. Hunter College leads CUNY schools with 61% graduation rates, while Lehman College graduates command the highest starting salaries at $38,289. California State schools round out the affordable options, with Fullerton achieving 69.2% graduation rates despite higher net costs around $5,646. These programs serve students who understand that anthropology careers often require graduate study, making undergraduate debt management important for long-term academic success.
42
Programs
$1,113 – $9,962
Net Price Range
$26,229
Avg. Program Earnings
48.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

42 Anthropology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $1,113 $6,627 95.7%
2 $2,446 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
3 $2,943 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
4 $3,046 $7,470 55.5% 50.7%
5 $3,482 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
6 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
7 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
8 $3,830 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
9 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
10 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
11 $4,702 $3,876 77.7% 64.6%
12 $4,734 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
13 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
14 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
15 $5,671 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
16 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
17 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
18 $5,970 $8,179 36.9% 80.3%
19 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
20 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
21 $6,199 $6,863 39.8% 27.6%
22 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
23 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
24 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
25 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
26 $6,507 $5,324 52.5% 51.6%
27 $6,602 $37,143 26.3% 83.0%
28 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
29 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
30 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
31 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
32 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
33 $8,327 $8,942 48.7% 96.9%
34 $8,364 $8,179 35.7% 86.9%
35 $8,463 $6,270 40.7%
36 $8,896 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
37 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
38 $9,110 $14,288 61.9% 77.7%
39 $9,424 $6,110 42.1%
40 $9,634 $8,640 36.7%
41 $9,792 $6,817 53.5% 89.7%
42 $9,962 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Texas A&M University-Central Texas so affordable for anthropology students?

Texas A&M-Central Texas offers the lowest net cost nationally at $1,113, with a 95.71% acceptance rate that makes admission accessible. The school's public funding and Texas resident benefits create this strong value. Students pay significantly less than comparable programs while accessing the same anthropological training needed for graduate school or entry-level positions.

How do CUNY anthropology programs compare in terms of outcomes?

CUNY schools show varying graduation rates from 30.3% at York College to 61% at Hunter College, with net costs ranging from $2,446 to $4,734. Hunter College graduates earn $33,565 annually with manageable debt of $8,772. Lehman College produces the highest-earning graduates at $38,289, while Queens College graduates face higher debt at $13,421.

Is California State University a good value for anthropology majors?

California State schools offer solid graduation rates, with Fullerton achieving 69.2% completion and Stanislaus reaching 58%. Net costs range from $3,659 at Dominguez Hills to $5,671 at Stanislaus. However, graduates typically earn around $25,194 to $33,281, making the higher net costs a consideration for debt-conscious students.

Does University of Florida-Online provide competitive anthropology education?

UF-Online achieves an impressive 77.7% graduation rate with a $4,702 net cost and reasonable debt levels at $14,491. The program accepts 64.64% of applicants while maintaining academic standards. Graduates earn $25,870 annually, positioning them competitively for graduate programs or entry-level anthropology positions nationwide.

Where do anthropology graduates from these affordable programs typically work?

Graduates enter varied fields including museums, cultural resource management, and social services, with starting salaries ranging from $25,194 to $38,289 across these programs. Many pursue graduate degrees for research or academic careers. CUNY graduates particularly benefit from New York's concentration of museums, while California State graduates access the state's extensive archaeological and cultural preservation opportunities.

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