Skip to main content

Best Value Anthropology Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

CUNY Lehman College anthropology graduates command the highest median earnings at $38,289 annually, despite the program carrying just a $3,482 net cost. This stands out among affordable anthropology programs where most graduates earn between $21,000-$33,000. The earnings gap reflects anthropology's strong connections to New York's museum sector, where institutions like the American Museum of Natural History and Metropolitan Museum employ cultural researchers and education specialists. California dominates the affordable market with seven programs under $11,000, though earnings there hover around $25,194. University of Florida maintains the strongest graduation rate at 91.5% while keeping costs reasonable at $6,351 net price. The data reveals that anthropology programs with lower acceptance rates tend to produce better employment outcomes, suggesting program selectivity correlates with career preparation quality.
50
Programs
$2,446 – $18,282
Net Price Range
$27,798
Avg. Program Earnings
61.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Anthropology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,446 $33,565 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
2 $3,482 $38,289 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
3 $3,486 $32,569 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
4 $3,659 $33,281 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
5 $3,830 $28,598 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
6 $4,113 $25,194 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
7 $4,702 $25,870 $3,876 77.7% 64.6%
8 $5,671 $25,194 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
9 $6,351 $25,870 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
10 $6,480 $21,508 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
11 $7,599 $25,194 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
12 $6,500 $21,508 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
13 $10,512 $32,498 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
14 $8,155 $25,194 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
15 $9,634 $29,685 $8,640 36.7%
16 $7,168 $21,052 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
17 $8,931 $26,037 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
18 $10,722 $31,133 $6,391 43.0%
19 $8,001 $22,192 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
20 $11,779 $32,382 $6,938 59.8% 96.0%
21 $11,408 $31,133 $10,449 53.9% 82.9%
22 $10,170 $27,669 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
23 $6,747 $17,717 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
24 $10,353 $27,181 $6,389 68.2% 70.5%
25 $15,590 $39,729 $11,505 88.6% 44.6%
26 $10,043 $25,484 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
27 $8,896 $22,420 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
28 $13,853 $34,603 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
29 $10,916 $26,933 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
30 $12,882 $31,762 $7,424 50.1% 94.2%
31 $9,962 $23,649 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
32 $13,485 $31,278 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
33 $12,983 $28,960 $8,989 92.1% 17.1%
34 $12,869 $28,598 $9,228 57.3% 93.7%
35 $13,670 $30,186 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
36 $14,013 $30,520 $13,747 92.7% 8.6%
37 $11,580 $24,615 $7,439 66.7% 55.4%
38 $12,063 $25,194 $7,838 41.6% 84.2%
39 $14,229 $29,685 $8,486 36.0% 86.0%
40 $11,750 $24,421 $15,265 87.6% 23.7%
41 $12,744 $26,353 $14,167 69.1% 89.5%
42 $13,801 $28,381 $8,190 60.5% 94.0%
43 $10,650 $21,781 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
44 $18,282 $37,208 $15,496 51.1% 80.8%
45 $13,172 $26,739 $9,315 63.9% 89.1%
46 $12,840 $25,967 $14,237 86.0% 21.2%
47 $14,294 $28,816 $10,780 29.9% 97.9%
48 $12,909 $25,938 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
49 $11,234 $22,534 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
50 $13,825 $27,639 $14,965 85.3% 25.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $17,000 earnings gap between the highest and lowest paying anthropology programs?

Regional job markets create significant salary differences for anthropology graduates. CUNY Lehman College graduates earn $38,289 in the New York metro area where museums, cultural institutions, and research organizations offer higher compensation. Meanwhile, graduates from programs in Fresno and Texas Rio Grande Valley earn around $21,508 in markets with fewer specialized anthropology positions. Geographic location often matters more than program prestige for anthropology career outcomes.

How do CUNY anthropology programs compare in terms of value and outcomes?

CUNY operates five anthropology programs with remarkably low net costs between $2,446-$3,830, making them the most affordable options nationally. Hunter College offers the best deal at $2,446 net cost with $33,565 median earnings and a 61% graduation rate. Lehman College produces the highest-earning graduates at $38,289 but with lower graduation rates at 49.3%. Queens College balances solid earnings of $28,598 with a strong 60.2% graduation rate.

Is University of Florida's anthropology program worth the higher cost compared to California State schools?

University of Florida justifies its $6,351 net cost with a 91.5% graduation rate, far exceeding California State schools that average around 55% completion. Both produce similar median earnings near $25,000, but Florida's selectivity at 23% acceptance versus California's 90%+ rates suggests more rigorous preparation. Florida also offers strong research opportunities through its established anthropology department. The higher graduation rate often translates to better long-term career outcomes for committed students.

Does program selectivity correlate with better anthropology career outcomes?

More selective anthropology programs generally produce graduates with higher earnings and completion rates. University of Florida's 23% acceptance rate corresponds to $25,870 earnings and 91.5% graduation, while highly accessible programs like CSU Fresno with 95% acceptance show $21,508 earnings and 54.8% graduation. CUNY Hunter College balances moderate selectivity at 48% acceptance with strong $33,565 outcomes. This pattern suggests selective programs provide better career preparation and networking opportunities for anthropology students.

Where can anthropology majors find the best combination of low debt and strong earnings potential?

CUNY Hunter College delivers the optimal debt-to-earnings ratio with just $8,772 average debt while producing $33,565 median earnings. This 3.8:1 earnings-to-debt ratio outperforms most alternatives. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley also offers reasonable debt at $9,605 with modest $21,508 earnings. Avoid programs like CSU Sacramento where $18,750 debt nearly matches the $32,498 earnings, creating challenging repayment scenarios for new graduates entering the anthropology field.

More Anthropology Rankings

Cheapest Anthropology Anthropology Under $20,000

Related

All Anthropology Programs All College Rankings Highest-Paying Majors 2026

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