Anthropology graduates earn $46,676 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $32,056 and $63,905. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.
Anthropology is a focused area of study within Social Sciences. Graduates typically earn around $46,676 four years out, a modest return for a focused credential. The program is available at 589 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 10,899 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Coursework pairs research methods with the applied study of people and institutions.
Median Earnings · 1yr
$27,806
Median Earnings · 4yr
$46,676
Colleges Offering
589
Graduates / Year
10,899
Avg Net Price / yr
$16,925
How Much Do Anthropology Graduates Earn?
Anthropology graduates earn $46,676 four years out, below average for bachelor's degree holders. The middle 50% of earners fall between $32,056 and $63,905. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $27,806 climbs to $46,676 by year four.
$27,806
1 Year After Graduation
Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.
$46,676
4-Year National Median
Below average for bachelor's degree holders.
$45,920
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
There is a moderate earnings spread across Anthropology graduates. Degree level and sector drive the gap. Graduate-level government and research roles anchor the top; entry-level social services and nonprofit roles anchor the bottom.
$32,05625th pct.
$46,676Median
$63,90575th pct.
Understanding the Cost vs. Return
At median 4-year earnings of $46,676 and an estimated $67,700 four-year net cost, earnings breakeven against a baseline wage takes approximately 4.1 years. Compare specific programs before committing to a high-cost option.
Based on outcomes from 465 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 10,899 students who complete Anthropology programs each year, the majority (78%) earn a bachelor's degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
78%
Bachelor's78%
Master's10%
Associate's8%
What Can You Do With an Anthropology Degree?
Anthropology connects to 5 occupations in the job market. Medical Scientists leads at $103,410/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
Doctoral or professional degree9,600 openings/yr172K employed nationally
WritingActive LearningScienceSpeakingJudgment and Decision Making
Day-to-day responsibilities
Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.
Follow strict safety procedures when handling toxic materials to avoid contamination.
Evaluate effects of drugs, gases, pesticides, parasites, and microorganisms at various levels.
Plan and direct studies to investigate human or animal disease, preventive methods, and treatments for disease.
Teach courses in anthropology or archeology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Advise students on academic and vocational curricula, career issues, and laboratory and field research.
Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as research methods, urban anthropology, and language and culture.
Teach courses pertaining to the culture and development of an area, an ethnic group, or any other group, such as Latin American studies, women's studies, or urban affairs. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as race and ethnic relations, gender studies, and cross-cultural perspectives.
Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.
Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.
Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques.
Use photographic or video equipment to document evidence or crime scenes.
Study the origin, development, and behavior of human beings. May study the way of life, language, or physical characteristics of people in various parts of the world. May engage in systematic recovery and examination of material evidence, such as tools or pottery remaining from past human cultures, in order to determine the history, customs, and living habits of earlier civilizations.
Collect information and make judgments through observation, interviews, and review of documents.
Teach or mentor undergraduate and graduate students in anthropology or archeology.
Write about and present research findings for a variety of specialized and general audiences.
Top Colleges for Anthropology
The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Anthropology students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page
into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Anthropology program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find
schools that match your profile.
Anthropology carries financial trade-offs prospective students should weigh carefully. The 4 strengths and 3 concerns below are drawn from College Scorecard earnings, BLS job growth data, and IPEDS completion counts.
PROS
Strong salary growthMedian earnings climb from $27,806 at graduation to $46,676 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Fast-growing fieldRelated careers are projected to grow up to +12.8% over the next decade, with Forensic Science Technicians among the fastest-growing roles.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 14,900 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
Wide availabilityOffered at 589 colleges nationwide, with options at every price point and institution type.
CONS
Modest median earningsFour-year median of $46,676 lags STEM and business fields, affecting ROI at higher-cost programs.
Advanced degree often expectedTop roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
High earnings varianceGap between 25th ($32,056) and 75th ($63,905) percentile is wide. Where you land depends heavily on employer, role, and location.
Anthropology Degree: Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Anthropology graduates earn?
Anthropology graduates earn a national median of $46,676 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $32,056 and $63,905. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Anthropology degree?
One year after graduation, Anthropology degree holders earn a median of $27,806. That climbs to $46,676 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Anthropology degree?
Anthropology degree holders pursue careers including Medical Scientists, which pays a median of $103,410/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Anthropology program take?
A Anthropology bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.
How many colleges offer Anthropology?
589 colleges and universities in the United States offer Anthropology programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Anthropology degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $46,676 and an average net price of roughly $16,925/yr, a Anthropology degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Anthropology and Social Sciences?
Anthropology is a focused concentration within the broader Social Sciences field. The Social Sciences major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Anthropology-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Anthropology graduates?
Employers hiring Anthropology graduates consistently prioritize research methodology, interpersonal communication, and policy understanding. Experience with surveys, qualitative interviews, or statistical tools is often a differentiator in government, nonprofit, and research roles.
What is the job outlook for Anthropology graduates?
The job outlook for Anthropology graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +6.1% job growth over the next 10 years. Forensic Science Technicians is among the strongest-growth roles at +12.8%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.
Related Social Sciences Programs
Other programs in Social Sciences. Compare earnings, credentials, and career paths before committing to a specialization.
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Original data analyses built on the same federal data as this profile. Rankings, outliers, and patterns, no opinions.
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