Best Colleges for Anthropology 2026
20 schools ranked by graduate earnings, real data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Top 20 Anthropology Programs by Graduate Earnings
| # | School | Earnings | Tuition | Accept Rate | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Duke University Durham, NC | $65,916 | $65,805 | 7% | 6,417 |
| 2 | Southern Methodist University Dallas, TX | $56,5501yr | $64,460 | 61% | 7,106 |
| 3 | Brandeis University Waltham, MA | $54,960 | $64,946 | 35% | 3,663 |
| 4 | University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA | $54,062 | $45,627 | 12% | 33,073 |
| 5 | Emory University Atlanta, GA | $53,024 | $60,774 | 11% | 7,275 |
| 6 | Monmouth University West Long Branch, NJ | $52,135 | $44,850 | 90% | 3,831 |
| 7 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, WA | $51,191 | $41,997 | 43% | 31,588 |
| 8 | San Francisco State University San Francisco, CA | $50,875 | $19,304 | 96% | 20,033 |
| 9 | University of Maryland-College Park College Park, MD | $50,422 | $40,306 | 45% | 30,246 |
| 10 | Binghamton University Vestal, NY | $49,465 | $29,453 | 38% | 14,401 |
| 11 | George Washington University Washington, DC | $49,003 | $64,990 | 44% | 10,848 |
| 12 | California State University-Fullerton Fullerton, CA | $48,746 | $18,953 | 87% | 36,956 |
| 13 | Miami University-Oxford Oxford, OH | $48,634 | $40,025 | 82% | 16,361 |
| 14 | University of California-Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA | $48,435 | $45,742 | 28% | 23,205 |
| 15 | James Madison University Harrisonburg, VA | $47,827 | $30,790 | 76% | 20,497 |
| 16 | Oregon State University Corvallis, OR | $47,280 | $35,664 | 79% | 29,557 |
| 17 | Oregon State University-Cascades Campus Bend, OR | $47,280 | $34,944 | 68% | 1,054 |
| 18 | Boston University Boston, MA | $47,165 | $65,168 | 11% | 17,850 |
| 19 | Fordham University Bronx, NY | $46,873 | $61,992 | 56% | 10,239 |
| 20 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI | $46,678 | $58,072 | 18% | 33,488 |
Anthropology is a field of study that develops specialized knowledge and skills applicable across a range of professional settings. Undergraduate programs typically combine foundational coursework with applied projects, laboratory work, or research experiences designed to prepare graduates for entry-level careers or advanced study.
Graduates are well-positioned for careers across multiple industries. Career paths and earning potential vary depending on the specific concentration, graduate degree attainment, and employer. The rankings below are based on actual graduate earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, which tracks median earnings for graduates of each school-major combination.
When evaluating Anthropology programs, consider accreditation status, research and internship opportunities, faculty expertise, and the school's alumni network in your target career field. The earnings data on this page provides an objective, evidence-based signal to help you compare programs by real-world financial outcomes.
Earnings shown are median graduate earnings 4 years after graduation (or 1 year if 4-year data is unavailable), sourced from the College Scorecard.See full major data
Explore All Anthropology Programs
See earnings data for all 178 schools offering Anthropology, including debt figures and graduate counts.
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Compare SchoolsFrequently Asked Questions
What should I look for in a Anthropology program?
Look for programs with relevant accreditation, strong research or internship opportunities, experienced faculty with industry connections, and alumni networks in the careers you want to pursue. Hands-on learning experiences and career placement rates are also important indicators of program quality.
What careers can I pursue with a Anthropology degree?
A Anthropology degree prepares graduates for a range of careers depending on the specific concentration and any graduate study pursued. Review the program's placement data and alumni outcomes to understand where graduates from a specific school tend to land after graduation.
How much do Anthropology graduates earn?
Earnings for Anthropology graduates vary by school, specialization, and career path. The rankings on this page reflect verified median graduate earnings from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, giving you a school-level view of real financial outcomes for this major.