Anthropology at San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
43
Optimistic
42
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,314/yr (1% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (121,600 openings/yr)
ROI 17.8x earnings multiple (6.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #18 of 178 Anthropology programs Top 10%

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 $533K $530K $488K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 18.0x 17.8x 16.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.9x 6.9x 6.3x
Probability of Field Employment 44% 41% 30%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 42 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$29,696
Out-of-state: $77,216 (6.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$51,528
-74% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,500
7.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,064
77% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

San Francisco State University's Anthropology program produces graduates earning $28,314/yr — within striking distance of the $28,155 national average for this field.

With a 17.8x 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.

At $16,500 against $28,314/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

At #18 of 178 programs, this Anthropology program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The $28,314-to-$50,064 earnings arc over five years reflects a 77% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About San Francisco State University

A 96% acceptance rate means San Francisco State University is accessible to most applicants, one of the larger campuses at 20,033 students in San Francisco, CA. 41% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at San Francisco 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

Compare Anthropology

Other Majors at San Francisco State University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 42/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Anthropology at San Francisco State University?
At 42/100, 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 San Francisco 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →