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Anthropology at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Pomona, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $27,750/yr (-1% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 17.4x earnings multiple (6.7x out-of-state)

Ranked #30 of 178 Anthropology programs Top 25%

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	$519K	$517K	$479K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	17.4x	17.4x	16.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.7x	6.7x	6.2x
Probability of Field Employment	44%	41%	30%
DegreeOutlook Score	41	40	36

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$29,756

Out-of-state: $77,276 (6.7x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$46,320

-56% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$9,500

4.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$47,764

72% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $27,750/yr, Anthropology graduates from California State Polytechnic University-Pomona land near the $28,155 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 17.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Anthropology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $9,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona ranks #30 among 178 Anthropology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $27,750-to-$47,764 earnings arc over five years reflects a 72% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

With 74% of applicants admitted, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona prioritizes broad access, serving a student body of 24,271 in Pomona, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 46% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona →

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 California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Anthropology at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona?

At 40/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Anthropology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Anthropology at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona?

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 California State Polytechnic University-Pomona one of the best schools for Anthropology?

Among 178 Anthropology programs, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona's #30 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

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