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Anthropology at Metropolitan State University of Denver

Denver, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $21,930/yr (-22% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 11.5x earnings multiple (4.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #139 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	$495K	$495K	$463K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.5x	11.5x	10.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.2x	4.2x	3.9x
Probability of Field Employment	44%	41%	30%
DegreeOutlook Score	29	28	26

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$43,120

Out-of-state: $118,012 (4.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$57,176

-33% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,783

14.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$41,447

89% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $21,930 per year, Anthropology graduates from Metropolitan State University of Denver earn below the $28,155 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

The 11.5x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 47% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $25,783 debt load exceeds a year of the $21,930 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #139 out of 178 programs, Metropolitan State University of Denver's financial outcomes for Anthropology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $21,930 to $41,447 over five years (89% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Metropolitan State University of Denver

With 99% of applicants admitted, Metropolitan State University of Denver prioritizes broad access, enrolling 14,932 students in Denver, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at Metropolitan State University of Denver →

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 Metropolitan State University of Denver

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

How does Metropolitan State University of Denver's Anthropology program score?

This program scores 28/100 — on the lower end for Anthropology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

Do Metropolitan State University of Denver Anthropology graduates earn enough to justify the loans?

The debt-to-income ratio of 1.2x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.

How vulnerable is Anthropology to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Anthropology careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 47% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Why are Anthropology earnings lower at Metropolitan State University of Denver?

Lower starting pay at Metropolitan State University of Denver may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

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