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Anthropology at Boston University

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $26,934/yr (-4% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 1.6x earnings multiple

Ranked #166 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	$411K	$417K	$406K
Earnings Multiple	1.6x	1.6x	1.6x
Probability of Field Employment	44%	41%	30%
DegreeOutlook Score	26	25	22

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$260,672

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$107,984

59% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,250

11.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (4 Year)

$47,165

75% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $26,934/yr, Anthropology graduates from Boston University land near the $28,155 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The financial case is thin at 1.6x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

Some AI exposure exists in Anthropology's typical career paths, with 47% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 1% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $25,250 represents roughly 11 months of the $26,934 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #166 of 178 Anthropology programs, Boston University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About Boston University

With just 11% of applicants admitted, Boston University ranks among the nation's most selective schools, enrolling 17,850 students in Boston, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $107,984 — 59% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Boston 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 Boston University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Anthropology at Boston University?

A score of 25/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Anthropology. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.

Will AI replace Anthropology careers?

With 47% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $406,164 in decade earnings vs $410,892 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Is Boston University a hidden gem for Anthropology?

After financial aid, the average student pays $107,984 over four years — 59% below the $260,672 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.

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