Anthropology at University of California-Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
29 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
30
Optimistic
29
Base Case
27
Pessimistic
Earnings $23,152/yr (-18% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (121,600 openings/yr)
ROI 9.1x earnings multiple (2.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #130 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 $536K $533K $490K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.2x 9.1x 8.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.0x 2.9x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 44% 41% 30%
DegreeOutlook Score 30 29 27

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$58,240
Out-of-state: $181,348 (2.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$66,428
-14% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,035
8.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,407
105% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $23,152 per year, Anthropology graduates from University of California-Santa Cruz earn below the $28,155 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

At 9.1x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 47% task exposure — and the 9% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $16,035 debt-to-$23,152 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #130 out of 178 programs, University of California-Santa Cruz's financial outcomes for Anthropology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $23,152 to $47,407 over five years (105% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About University of California-Santa Cruz

University of California-Santa Cruz accepts 63% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 17,812 in Santa Cruz, CA.

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

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-Santa Cruz

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

How does University of California-Santa Cruz's Anthropology program score?
This program scores 29/100 — on the lower end for Anthropology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Anthropology to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Anthropology careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 47% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Anthropology earnings lower at University of California-Santa Cruz?
Lower starting pay at University of California-Santa Cruz may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →