Home › Appalachian State University › Anthropology

Anthropology at Appalachian State University

Boone, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $19,624/yr (-30% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (121,600 openings/yr)

ROI 16.5x earnings multiple (5.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #118 of 178 Anthropology programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Anthropology graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$497K	$497K	$464K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	16.5x	16.5x	15.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.1x	5.1x	4.7x
Probability of Field Employment	44%	41%	30%
DegreeOutlook Score	31	31	29

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$30,164

Out-of-state: $98,148 (5.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$65,948

-119% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,531

13.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$40,323

105% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Appalachian State University's Anthropology graduates start at $19,624/yr, trailing the $28,155 national average by 30%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 16.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Anthropology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.1x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #118 ranking among 178 Anthropology programs places Appalachian State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $19,624-to-$40,323 earnings arc over five years reflects a 105% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Appalachian State University

A 89% acceptance rate means Appalachian State University is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 19,304 in Boone, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at Appalachian State University →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr

Medical scientists, except epidemiologists $100,590/yr

Anthropology and archeology teachers, postsecondary $95,770/yr

View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Anthropology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Appalachian State University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Anthropology at Appalachian State University?

At 31/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Anthropology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

What's the payoff timeline for a Anthropology degree from Appalachian State University?

At $21,531 in median debt, graduates carry 13 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.

Should I worry about AI if I study Anthropology at Appalachian State University?

The 47% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Is Appalachian State University a good choice for Anthropology despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Appalachian State University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →