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Best Value Anthropology Colleges in Pennsylvania

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

Pennsylvania's Anthropology programs reveal a striking $21,919 gap between the most and least expensive options, yet earnings patterns don't follow predictable cost lines. Temple University graduates earn $36,308 annually while paying $29,219 net, contrasting sharply with Swarthmore College's $22,667 median earnings despite its elite status and 94.1% graduation rate. The state's healthcare giants like UPMC increasingly value anthropological perspectives for understanding patient communities and cultural health barriers. Public universities dominate the value proposition, with Millersville University charging just $20,231 net while producing graduates earning $28,598. Indiana University of Pennsylvania offers the lowest in-state tuition at $11,380, though its graduates face the most challenging earning outlook at $18,771 annually. Pennsylvania's pharmaceutical sector, including major companies in the southeastern corridor, creates opportunities for anthropologists specializing in medical anthropology and drug research ethics.
26
Programs
$12,912 – $40,690
Net Price Range
$25,874
Avg. Program Earnings
72.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

26 Anthropology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $17,034 $24,499 $14,630 39.6% 97.6%
2 $20,231 $28,598 $12,262 54.4% 92.4%
3 $21,205 $29,685 $11,230 54.1% 96.1%
4 $29,219 $36,308 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
5 $17,216 $18,771 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
6 $22,673 $21,964 $10,687 69.8% 87.9%
7 $30,074 $24,499 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
8 $40,690 $22,667 $62,560 85.6% 30.8%
9 $30,470 $53,638 63.5% 87.7%
10 $25,866 $48,290 64.0% 77.6%
11 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
12 $26,539 $57,400 74.1% 76.7%
13 $23,331 $41,100 72.1% 73.4%
14 $31,229 $66,104 96.8% 6.5%
15 $30,314 $60,240 80.2% 65.5%
16 $27,263 $44,510 58.7% 80.6%
17 $19,258 $47,675 59.6% 75.2%
18 $12,912 $12,512 52.1% 80.6%
19 $33,549 $62,180 89.2% 37.0%
20 $27,663 $56,402 68.9% 76.2%
21 $25,210 $68,300 89.4% 14.2%
22 $30,086 $64,230 82.7% 56.3%
23 $39,061 $68,380 86.0% 36.2%
24 $38,428 $60,663 77.1% 79.6%
25 $32,191 $63,475 83.4% 34.9%
26 $40,429 $64,772 86.2% 32.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Temple University stand out among Pennsylvania's Anthropology programs?

Temple University graduates earn $36,308 annually, the highest among Pennsylvania's Anthropology programs, while maintaining a reasonable $29,219 net cost. The university achieves a 74.7% graduation rate with 79.7% acceptance rate, balancing accessibility with strong outcomes. Temple's Philadelphia location provides direct access to major healthcare systems and research institutions that value anthropological expertise.

How do public university costs compare to private colleges for Anthropology?

Public universities offer substantial savings, with in-state tuition ranging from $10,687 at West Chester to $22,082 at Temple. Private colleges command much higher sticker prices, with Bryn Mawr at $62,560 and University of Pennsylvania at $66,104 annually. However, generous financial aid can narrow gaps significantly, as seen with Swarthmore's $18,686 net cost despite its $62,412 list price.

Is Swarthmore College worth considering despite lower earnings data?

Swarthmore College shows complex value metrics with a 94.1% graduation rate but $22,667 median earnings for Anthropology graduates. The college's 6.93% acceptance rate reflects extreme selectivity, and its $18,686 net cost after aid makes it surprisingly affordable. Many Swarthmore anthropology graduates pursue advanced degrees, which may explain the lower initial earnings figures compared to immediate workforce entry.

Does Pennsylvania's job market support Anthropology career growth?

Pennsylvania's varied economy creates multiple pathways for anthropology graduates, particularly in healthcare systems like UPMC and pharmaceutical research. The state's finance sector in Philadelphia and tech companies like Comcast increasingly recognize the value of cultural analysis and user research skills. Temple University graduates earning $36,308 demonstrate strong market demand, while the healthcare industry's focus on patient-centered care opens additional opportunities.

Where can students find the best combination of low cost and solid outcomes?

Millersville University offers strong value at $20,231 net cost with graduates earning $28,598 annually and achieving a 54.4% graduation rate. Kutztown University provides another strong option at $21,205 net cost with similar earnings of $29,685. Both schools significantly outperform the state average for public university value while maintaining reasonable acceptance rates above 90%.

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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.