Cheapest Anthropology Colleges in Virginia

Virginia's most affordable Anthropology program costs just $16,640 annually at Radford University, while the most expensive reaches $33,417 at University of Richmond. This $16,777 gap reflects the state's mix of accessible public universities and selective private institutions. Anthropology graduates in Virginia earn between $23,649 and $28,816, positioning them well for careers with federal agencies and defense contractors like Northrop Grumman and Booz Allen Hamilton. The state's proximity to Washington D.C. creates unique opportunities for anthropologists in government research, cultural resource management, and international development work.

Programs

$16,640 – $33,417

Net Price Range

$26,647

Avg. Program Earnings

71.6%

Avg. Graduation Rate

10 Anthropology Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Radford University Radford, Virginia	$16,640	$12,286	49.6%	93.3%
2	George Mason University Fairfax, Virginia	$18,287	$13,815	69.3%	90.0%
3	Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Virginia	$19,452	$16,458	65.4%	91.0%
4	Longwood University Farmville, Virginia	$20,814	$15,200	61.6%	87.8%
5	University of Mary Washington Fredericksburg, Virginia	$21,108	$14,559	67.4%	85.8%
6	James Madison University Harrisonburg, Virginia	$21,816	$13,576	80.9%	78.3%
7	William & Mary Williamsburg, Virginia	$22,529	$25,040	91.0%	33.5%
8	University of Virginia-Main Campus Charlottesville, Virginia	$22,881	$20,986	95.3%	18.7%
9	Sweet Briar College Sweet Briar, Virginia	$23,383	$25,110	48.1%	75.8%
10	University of Richmond University of Richmond, Virginia	$33,417	$62,600	87.8%	24.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive cost difference between Virginia's cheapest and most expensive Anthropology programs?

Public universities like Radford ($16,640) and George Mason ($18,287) keep costs low through state funding, while private institutions charge significantly more. University of Richmond tops the list at $33,417 despite offering substantial aid to bring net costs down from a sticker price of $62,600.

How do graduation rates vary among Virginia's most affordable Anthropology programs?

The top performers achieve graduation rates above 80%, with University of Virginia leading at 95.3% and James Madison at 80.9%. However, some budget-friendly options like Radford show lower completion rates at 49.6%, while Sweet Briar College graduates only 48.1% of students.

Does attending a more expensive program guarantee better post-graduation earnings?

Not necessarily in Virginia's Anthropology market. James Madison graduates earn $28,816 annually while paying just $21,816 net cost. Meanwhile, Virginia Commonwealth graduates earn $23,649 despite the program costing only $19,452 net.

Where do Virginia Anthropology graduates typically find employment?

The state's proximity to federal agencies creates opportunities in government research and cultural resource management. Major defense contractors like Northrop Grumman and consulting firms like Booz Allen Hamilton also hire anthropologists for user research and international projects.

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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.