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Anthropology at University of Memphis

Memphis, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $23,112/yr (-18% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 10.7x earnings multiple (7.5x out-of-state)

Ranked #161 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	$437K	$442K	$424K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.6x	10.7x	10.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	7.4x	7.5x	7.2x
Probability of Field Employment	44%	41%	30%
DegreeOutlook Score	26	26	23

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$41,376

Out-of-state: $59,136 (7.5x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$53,012

-28% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,000

10.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$33,817

46% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $23,112 place University of Memphis below the $28,155 national median for Anthropology — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

The 10.7x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 47% task exposure — and the 3% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $20,000 debt-to-$23,112 income ratio translates to about 10 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #161 out of 178 programs, University of Memphis's financial outcomes for Anthropology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $23,112 to $33,817 shows 46% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About University of Memphis

University of Memphis accepts 93% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 13,645 students in Memphis, TN.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Memphis →

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 Memphis

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 Memphis's Anthropology program score?

This program scores 26/100 — 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 Memphis?

Lower starting pay at University of Memphis 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 →