Cheapest Anthropology Colleges in Massachusetts

Williams College delivers the most surprising value in Massachusetts anthropology programs, charging just $14,852 net price despite its $64,860 sticker price through generous financial aid. This creates an unusual situation where the most affordable option requires admission to one of the nation's most selective schools at 8.5% acceptance. Massachusetts public universities like Bridgewater State ($17,970 net) and UMass-Boston ($18,282 net) provide accessible alternatives for students interested in studying human cultures and societies. The state's concentration of museums, archaeological sites, and research institutions around Boston creates strong internship opportunities for anthropology students. Cultural resource management firms and biotech companies increasingly hire anthropologists to understand user behavior and cultural factors in medical research. Early career earnings range from $18,154 at Wellesley to $37,208 at UMass-Boston, reflecting the field's emphasis on graduate education and specialized training.

Programs

$14,852 – $36,868

Net Price Range

$28,067

Avg. Program Earnings

81.5%

Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Anthropology Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Williams College Williamstown, Massachusetts	$14,852	$64,860	96.6%	8.5%
2	Harvard University Cambridge, Massachusetts	$16,816	$59,076	97.3%	3.2%
3	Bridgewater State University Bridgewater, Massachusetts	$17,970	$11,389	54.6%	87.7%
4	Amherst College Amherst, Massachusetts	$18,246	$67,280	93.4%	7.3%
5	University of Massachusetts-Boston Boston, Massachusetts	$18,282	$15,496	51.1%	80.8%
6	Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, Massachusetts	$19,813	$60,156	96.1%	4.0%
7	University of Massachusetts-Amherst Amherst, Massachusetts	$23,691	$17,357	83.2%	63.5%
8	Wellesley College Wellesley, Massachusetts	$25,008	$64,320	91.2%	13.6%
9	Hampshire College Amherst, Massachusetts	$25,810	$56,630	57.2%	68.9%
10	Smith College Northampton, Massachusetts	$26,181	$61,568	89.7%	22.9%
11	Boston University Boston, Massachusetts	$26,996	$65,168	90.0%	14.4%
12	Assumption University Worcester, Massachusetts	$28,853	$49,414	74.6%	82.3%
13	Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, Massachusetts	$29,562	$64,142	85.0%	39.8%
14	Stonehill College Easton, Massachusetts	$29,969	$54,500	80.8%	73.4%
15	Wheaton College (Massachusetts) Norton, Massachusetts	$30,934	$62,080	75.7%	79.5%
16	Northeastern University Boston, Massachusetts	$32,116	$63,141	90.4%	6.8%
17	Brandeis University Waltham, Massachusetts	$33,885	$64,946	86.1%	39.4%
18	Tufts University Medford, Massachusetts	$35,435	$67,844	93.3%	9.7%
19	Bard College at Simon's Rock Great Barrington, Massachusetts	$36,684	$66,594	54.2%	95.5%
20	College of the Holy Cross Worcester, Massachusetts	$36,868	$60,850	89.6%	36.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Williams College so affordable despite being a private school?

Williams College offers need-based financial aid that reduces the average net price to $14,852, even though tuition reaches $64,860. The college meets 100% of demonstrated financial need without loans for most students. This generous aid policy makes Williams more affordable than many public universities for qualifying students. The 96.6% graduation rate suggests strong academic support justifies the investment.

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

Massachusetts public universities charge between $17,970 and $23,691 net price for anthropology programs, while private colleges range from $14,852 to $30,934. Bridgewater State offers in-state tuition at just $11,389 before aid calculations. UMass-Amherst provides the best middle ground at $23,691 net price with an 83.2% graduation rate. Public options typically offer larger class sizes but more affordable long-term debt loads.

Does attending an expensive private college lead to higher anthropology earnings?

Early career earnings show mixed results across price points, ranging from $18,154 to $37,208 annually. UMass-Boston graduates earn $37,208 despite the program costing only $18,282 net. Mount Holyoke graduates earn $32,925 with a net price of $29,562. Wellesley graduates earn just $18,154 despite the college's academic reputation, reflecting anthropology's emphasis on graduate school preparation over immediate earning potential.

Where do Massachusetts anthropology graduates typically find employment?

The Boston area employs anthropologists in cultural resource management for construction projects and urban development. Biotech companies like Biogen and Moderna hire anthropologists to study patient experiences and cultural factors affecting medical treatments. Museums throughout Massachusetts, including the Peabody Essex and Harvard's museums, provide curatorial and research positions. Archaeological consulting firms work on projects across New England's historic sites and Native American cultural preservation efforts.

Is graduate school necessary for anthropology career advancement in Massachusetts?

Most anthropology positions requiring specialized expertise demand graduate degrees, particularly in archaeology and cultural resource management. Entry-level positions with bachelor's degrees typically start around $25,000 to $30,000 annually in Massachusetts. Graduate programs at schools like Harvard and UMass-Amherst provide research opportunities and professional networks. The state's academic concentration means many anthropology jobs exist within universities and research institutions requiring advanced degrees.

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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.