Anthropology at State University of New York at New Paltz

New Paltz, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
20 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
21
Optimistic
20
Base Case
18
Pessimistic
Earnings $17,288/yr (-39% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (121,600 openings/yr)
ROI 10.9x earnings multiple (5.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #176 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 $362K $372K $373K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.6x 10.9x 10.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.9x 5.0x 5.1x
Probability of Field Employment 44% 41% 30%
DegreeOutlook Score 21 20 18
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$34,096
Out-of-state: $73,736 (5.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,924
-117% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,750
10.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$14,746
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

Program Analysis

State University of New York at New Paltz's Anthropology graduates start at $17,288/yr, trailing the $28,155 national average by 39%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 10.9x 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 -3% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $15,750 represents roughly 11 months of the $17,288 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #176 of 178 Anthropology programs, State University of New York at New Paltz falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About State University of New York at New Paltz

State University of New York at New Paltz's 59% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, enrolling 6,022 students in New Paltz, NY.

See all programs and financial aid at State University of New York at New Paltz →

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 State University of New York at New Paltz

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Anthropology at State University of New York at New Paltz?
A score of 20/100 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 $373,084 in decade earnings vs $361,695 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Anthropology from State University of New York at New Paltz?
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 →