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Anthropology at University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $28,661/yr (2% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (121,600 openings/yr)

ROI 10.5x earnings multiple (3.4x out-of-state)

Ranked #24 of 178 Anthropology programs Top 25%

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	$638K	$626K	$559K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.7x	10.5x	9.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.5x	3.4x	3.1x
Probability of Field Employment	44%	41%	30%
DegreeOutlook Score	42	41	37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$59,400

Out-of-state: $182,508 (3.4x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$59,916

-1% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$12,572

5.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$63,390

121% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $28,661/yr, Anthropology graduates from University of California-Berkeley land near the $28,155 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 10.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 12% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Anthropology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $12,572 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

University of California-Berkeley ranks #24 among 178 Anthropology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $28,661-to-$63,390 earnings arc over five years reflects a 121% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-Berkeley

With just 12% of applicants admitted, University of California-Berkeley ranks among the nation's most selective schools, one of the larger campuses at 33,073 students in Berkeley, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Berkeley →

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 California-Berkeley

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 41/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Anthropology at University of California-Berkeley?

At 41/100, 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 University of California-Berkeley?

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 University of California-Berkeley one of the best schools for Anthropology?

Among 178 Anthropology programs, University of California-Berkeley's #24 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →