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Anthropology at Cleveland State University

Cleveland, OH · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $14,647/yr (-48% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 9.3x earnings multiple (6.5x out-of-state)

Ranked #172 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	$464K	$467K	$442K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	9.2x	9.3x	8.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.5x	6.5x	6.2x
Probability of Field Employment	44%	41%	30%
DegreeOutlook Score	23	23	21

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$50,452

Out-of-state: $71,892 (6.5x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$64,260

-27% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,000

16.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$32,927

125% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Cleveland State University's Anthropology graduates start at $14,647/yr, trailing the $28,155 national average by 48%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

A 9.3x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Anthropology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.4x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #172 ranking among 178 Anthropology programs places Cleveland State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $14,647-to-$32,927 earnings arc over five years reflects a 125% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Cleveland State University

A 95% acceptance rate means Cleveland State University is accessible to most applicants, serving 9,077 students in Cleveland, OH.

See all programs and financial aid at Cleveland 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 Cleveland State 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 does a 23/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Anthropology at Cleveland State University?

At 23/100, 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 Cleveland State University?

At $20,000 in median debt, graduates carry 16 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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland State University a good choice for Anthropology despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Cleveland 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 →