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Anthropology at Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
27 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
27
Optimistic
27
Base Case
25
Pessimistic
Earnings $16,844/yr (-40% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (121,600 openings/yr)
ROI 1.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #151 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 $359K $370K $372K
Earnings Multiple 1.4x 1.5x 1.5x
Probability of Field Employment 44% 41% 30%
DegreeOutlook Score 27 27 25

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$252,244
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$164,104
35% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,499
16.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $16,844/yr fall 40% below the $28,155 national median for Anthropology. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

At 1.5x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The -3% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Anthropology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.3x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #151 ranking among 178 Anthropology programs places Syracuse University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Syracuse University

With a 42% acceptance rate, Syracuse University is moderately selective, serving 15,245 students in Syracuse, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $164,104 over four years — 35% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Syracuse 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

Compare this program → View all 178 schools offering Anthropology →

Anthropology at Other Schools

Southern Methodist University ($56,550) Monmouth University ($46,302) Duke University ($43,924) Southern New Hampshire University ($41,986) Fordham University ($40,384) Dartmouth College ($40,071) CUNY Lehman College ($38,879) George Mason University ($37,081)

Other Majors at Syracuse University

Computer Engineering ($84,793) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($84,494) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($82,378) Accounting and Related Services ($75,294) Civil Engineering ($74,748) Information Science/Studies ($73,033) Chemical Engineering ($72,864) Finance and Financial Management Services ($72,819)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Anthropology trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 27/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Anthropology at Syracuse University?
At 27/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Anthropology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Anthropology degree from Syracuse University?
At $22,499 in median debt, graduates carry 16 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Anthropology at Syracuse 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 Syracuse University a good choice for Anthropology despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Syracuse University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →