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Best Value Anthropology Colleges in Illinois

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

Anthropology programs in Illinois present stark contrasts in both cost and career outcomes. The University of Chicago charges a net price of $18,967 but delivers the highest graduate earnings at $31,670, while University of Illinois Chicago offers comparable career preparation for just $12,313 annually. Public universities dominate the affordability market, with most charging under $16,000 net price. Illinois provides natural laboratory settings for anthropological study through Chicago's varied urban communities and rural agricultural regions. The state's museums, cultural institutions, and research centers create internship opportunities that complement classroom learning. Graduate earnings span from $19,045 to $31,670, reflecting the field's varied career paths from academic research to applied cultural consulting in Illinois's finance and healthcare sectors.
16
Programs
$11,592 – $35,196
Net Price Range
$25,972
Avg. Program Earnings
68.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

16 Anthropology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,909 $25,938 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
2 $12,313 $24,035 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
3 $18,967 $31,670 $66,939 94.9% 5.4%
4 $15,201 $21,703 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
5 $18,996 $26,739 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
6 $16,177 $19,045 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
7 $27,143 $29,685 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
8 $26,984 $28,960 $43,930 86.6% 88.4%
9 $12,437 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%
10 $29,141 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
11 $29,550 $55,704 82.5% 42.2%
12 $35,196 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%
13 $23,033 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
14 $13,550 $12,383 16.8% 62.7%
15 $13,696 $12,922 55.0% 97.5%
16 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Chicago worth its $18,967 cost for Anthropology students?

University of Chicago produces Anthropology graduates earning $31,670 annually, the highest in Illinois. The program maintains a 94.90% graduation rate, nearly double most competitors. Chicago's world-well-known faculty and research opportunities justify the premium cost through superior career outcomes and academic preparation.

How do public universities compare for Anthropology value in Illinois?

Public options range from $12,313 at UIC to $18,996 at Illinois State, all under $19,000 annually. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers strong value with an 84.90% graduation rate and $21,703 earnings for just $15,201 net cost. These schools provide quality education without the financial burden of private institutions.

Is Northwestern University worth considering despite higher costs?

Northwestern charges $27,143 annually but produces graduates earning $29,685, second highest in the state. The program maintains a 95.90% graduation rate with only 7.21% acceptance rate. Students gain access to Chicago's cultural institutions and research opportunities that justify the investment through career outcomes.

Where do Illinois Anthropology graduates typically find employment?

Chicago's finance sector employs anthropologists for consumer research and cultural analysis. Healthcare organizations throughout Illinois hire graduates for patient advocacy and community outreach roles. Museums, cultural centers, and government agencies across the state provide traditional anthropological career paths with average earnings between $19,045 and $31,670.

More Anthropology Rankings

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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.