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Anthropology at James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $30,686/yr (9% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 10.1x earnings multiple (4.5x out-of-state)

Ranked #42 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	$555K	$550K	$503K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.2x	10.1x	9.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.5x	4.5x	4.1x
Probability of Field Employment	44%	41%	30%
DegreeOutlook Score	40	39	34

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$54,304

Out-of-state: $123,160 (4.5x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$87,264

-61% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,500

8.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$54,211

77% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $30,686 per year, Anthropology graduates from James Madison University earn slightly above the $28,155 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 10.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Anthropology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $20,500 against $30,686/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

James Madison University ranks #42 among 178 Anthropology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $30,686-to-$54,211 earnings arc over five years reflects a 77% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About James Madison University

With 76% of applicants admitted, James Madison University prioritizes broad access, with 20,497 students enrolled in Harrisonburg, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at James Madison 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 James Madison University

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 39/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Anthropology at James Madison University?

At 39/100, 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 James Madison 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 James Madison University one of the best schools for Anthropology?

Among 178 Anthropology programs, James Madison University's #42 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 →