Anthropology at Middle Tennessee State University

Murfreesboro, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
26 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
27
Optimistic
26
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings $21,878/yr (-22% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (121,600 openings/yr)
ROI 12.0x earnings multiple (3.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #162 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 $452K $456K $434K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.9x 12.0x 11.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.9x 3.9x 3.7x
Probability of Field Employment 44% 41% 30%
DegreeOutlook Score 27 26 24

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$38,024
Out-of-state: $116,168 (3.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$50,396
-33% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,507
11.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$35,615
63% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $21,878 per year, Anthropology graduates from Middle Tennessee State University earn below the $28,155 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 12.0x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Anthropology programs nationally.

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 4% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $21,507 represents roughly 12 months of the $21,878 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #162 of 178 Anthropology programs, Middle Tennessee State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $35,615 show a 63% jump from the $21,878 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Middle Tennessee State University

Middle Tennessee State University accepts 68% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, serving 16,115 students in Murfreesboro, TN.

See all programs and financial aid at Middle Tennessee 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 Middle Tennessee State 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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Anthropology at Middle Tennessee State University?
A score of 26/100 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 $434,089 in decade earnings vs $452,419 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Anthropology from Middle Tennessee State University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →