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Anthropology at University of Kansas

Lawrence, KS · Public · Bachelor's Degree
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
33
Optimistic
33
Base Case
28
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,376/yr (4% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (121,600 openings/yr)
ROI 9.2x earnings multiple (3.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #93 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 $423K $429K $415K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.0x 9.2x 8.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.6x 3.6x 3.5x
Probability of Field Employment 44% 41% 30%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 33 28

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$46,800
Out-of-state: $117,648 (3.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$69,460
-48% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,875
11.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $29,376/yr, Anthropology graduates from University of Kansas land near the $28,155 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

At 9.2x 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 2% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $26,875 debt-to-$29,376 income ratio translates to about 11 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #93 out of 178 programs, University of Kansas's financial outcomes for Anthropology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About University of Kansas

With 88% of applicants admitted, University of Kansas prioritizes broad access, serving 19,857 students in Lawrence, KS.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Kansas →

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 University of Kansas

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($81,330) Architectural Engineering ($76,353) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($71,244) Mechanical Engineering ($70,726) Civil Engineering ($68,486) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($67,565) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($65,347) Chemical Engineering ($63,870)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Anthropology trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 Kansas's Anthropology program score?
This program scores 33/100 — 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →