Anthropology at University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ · Public · Bachelor's Degree
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
37
Optimistic
36
Base Case
31
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,094/yr (18% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (121,600 openings/yr)
ROI 9.0x earnings multiple (3.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #59 of 178 Anthropology programs Top 50%

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 $493K $493K $461K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.0x 9.0x 8.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.0x 3.0x 2.8x
Probability of Field Employment 44% 41% 30%
DegreeOutlook Score 37 36 31

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$54,504
Out-of-state: $164,380 (3.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$63,840
-17% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,869
7.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,008
39% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $33,094 per year, Anthropology graduates from University of Arizona earn slightly above the $28,155 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 9.0x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

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 6% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $21,869 represents roughly 8 months of the $33,094 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #59 of 178 Anthropology programs, University of Arizona scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Earnings grow from $33,094 to $46,008 over five years — a 39% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About University of Arizona

With 86% of applicants admitted, University of Arizona prioritizes broad access, with 40,769 students enrolled in Tucson, AZ.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Arizona →

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 University of Arizona

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 University of Arizona?
A score of 36/100 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 $461,263 in decade earnings vs $492,833 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →