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North Carolina's most affordable Anthropology programs span from $10,170 at UNC Greensboro to $41,048 at Elon University, creating a $30,878 price gap that reflects the state's mix of accessible public education and elite private institutions. Chapel Hill stands out with a 92.10% graduation rate despite costing just $12,983 annually, while Duke graduates earn $40,467 but require significantly higher investment. The state's Research Triangle and growing healthcare sectors provide opportunities for anthropology graduates in user research, cultural consulting, and social services, particularly as companies seek professionals who understand human behavior and cultural dynamics.
14
Programs
$10,170 – $41,048
Net Price Range
$27,622
Avg. Program Earnings
73.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

14 Anthropology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,170 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
2 $12,579 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
3 $12,865 $7,461 55.0% 74.3%
4 $12,983 $8,989 92.1% 17.1%
5 $14,745 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
6 $16,487 $7,541 73.1% 83.1%
7 $16,514 $7,361 62.1% 92.3%
8 $16,931 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
9 $18,127 $60,300 91.9% 17.0%
10 $19,472 $7,317 70.7% 68.8%
11 $21,728 $33,150 44.3% 63.2%
12 $28,746 $64,758 90.9% 21.4%
13 $34,454 $65,805 95.8% 6.4%
14 $41,048 $44,536 83.0% 74.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes UNC Chapel Hill such good value for anthropology students?

Chapel Hill combines a low $12,983 net cost with a 92.10% graduation rate, the highest among affordable options in the state. Despite accepting only 17.11% of applicants, graduates earn $28,960 annually while carrying just $12,500 in debt, making it one of the most selective yet affordable programs available.

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

The eight most affordable programs are all public universities, ranging from $10,170 to $19,472 annually. Private options like Davidson start at $18,127 but quickly jump to $28,746 at Wake Forest and $41,048 at Elon, creating a clear cost advantage for in-state public education.

Does attending a more expensive program guarantee higher earnings?

Not necessarily within the affordable range. UNC Charlotte graduates earn $29,141 at a $14,745 cost, while Appalachian State graduates earn just $18,087 despite costing $16,487. The correlation between program cost and graduate earnings varies significantly among these 14 schools.

Where can anthropology graduates find work in North Carolina?

The Research Triangle's tech companies hire anthropologists for user experience research, while Charlotte's banking sector values cultural analysis skills. Healthcare systems across the state also employ anthropologists to understand patient communities and improve care delivery approaches.

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