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Cheapest Anthropology Colleges in Illinois

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Western Illinois University offers the state's most affordable anthropology degree at just $11,592 net price, creating a striking $23,551 gap between it and the most expensive option at Illinois Wesleyan University. This massive cost difference reflects Illinois' sharp divide between public and private higher education funding. The University of Chicago stands out with graduates earning $31,670 annually, nearly double the $19,045 earned by Southern Illinois University-Carbondale alumni. Chicago's museums, including the Field Museum and cultural research institutions, provide anthropology graduates with opportunities in curatorial work, cultural resource management, and applied research. The state's MAP Grant program helps bridge affordability gaps for qualifying students, making these programs accessible to students from various economic backgrounds across Illinois' 102 counties.
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 In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
2 $12,313 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
3 $12,437 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%
4 $12,909 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
5 $13,550 $12,383 16.8% 62.7%
6 $13,696 $12,922 55.0% 97.5%
7 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
8 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
9 $18,967 $66,939 94.9% 5.4%
10 $18,996 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
11 $23,033 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
12 $26,984 $43,930 86.6% 88.4%
13 $27,143 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
14 $29,141 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
15 $29,550 $55,704 82.5% 42.2%
16 $35,196 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Western Illinois University's anthropology program so affordable?

Western Illinois University charges just $11,592 in net costs, making it the cheapest anthropology program in the state. The university keeps costs low through state funding and modest campus operations in Macomb. With a 75% acceptance rate, the program remains accessible while maintaining a 44.8% graduation rate.

How do earnings compare between public and private anthropology programs?

University of Chicago graduates earn the highest salaries at $31,670 annually, followed by Northwestern at $29,685. Public university graduates typically earn less, with Southern Illinois University-Carbondale at $19,045 and Northern Illinois at $25,938. The earnings gap often reflects the career networks and geographic locations where graduates find employment after completing their degrees.

Is the University of Chicago worth its higher net price for anthropology?

At $18,967 net price, University of Chicago costs more than most public options but delivers a 94.9% graduation rate and top earnings of $31,670. The university's 5.43% acceptance rate makes admission highly competitive. Students gain access to top-tier faculty and research opportunities that often justify the investment through career outcomes.

Does financial aid significantly impact anthropology program costs in Illinois?

Illinois MAP Grants can reduce costs substantially for qualifying students at participating schools. Augustana College demonstrates this impact with a $49,834 sticker price dropping to $12,437 net cost through aid packages. Private colleges often offer larger aid packages, while public universities benefit from lower base tuition rates for Illinois residents.

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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.