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Anthropology at University of California-Irvine

Irvine, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $30,509/yr (8% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 10.1x earnings multiple (3.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #32 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	$581K	$574K	$521K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.2x	10.1x	9.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.2x	3.2x	2.9x
Probability of Field Employment	44%	41%	30%
DegreeOutlook Score	41	40	36

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$56,948

Out-of-state: $180,056 (3.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$51,360

10% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$16,000

6.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$57,629

89% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of California-Irvine's Anthropology graduates start at $30,509/yr — above the $28,155 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 10.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Anthropology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $16,000 against $30,509/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

University of California-Irvine ranks #32 among 178 Anthropology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $30,509-to-$57,629 earnings arc over five years reflects a 89% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-Irvine

Admission to University of California-Irvine is competitive, with 26% of applicants accepted, one of the larger campuses at 29,494 students in Irvine, CA.

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

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-Irvine

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 does a 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Anthropology at University of California-Irvine?

At 40/100, 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-Irvine?

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-Irvine one of the best schools for Anthropology?

Among 178 Anthropology programs, University of California-Irvine's #32 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 →