Anthropology at University of North Carolina Wilmington

Wilmington, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
32 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
33
Optimistic
32
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $25,198/yr (-11% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (121,600 openings/yr)
ROI 15.7x earnings multiple (5.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #105 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 $457K $460K $437K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.6x 15.7x 14.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.0x 5.0x 4.8x
Probability of Field Employment 44% 41% 30%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 32 29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$29,268
Out-of-state: $91,940 (5.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$77,888
-166% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,987
10.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$37,701
50% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $25,198/yr, roughly in line with the $28,155 national median for Anthropology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 15.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 4% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Anthropology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $22,987 against $25,198/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #105 ranking among 178 Anthropology programs places University of North Carolina Wilmington in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 50% earnings increase from $25,198 to $37,701 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of North Carolina Wilmington

University of North Carolina Wilmington accepts 74% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 14,176 students in Wilmington, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at University of North Carolina Wilmington →

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 North Carolina Wilmington

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 32/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Anthropology at University of North Carolina Wilmington?
At 32/100, 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 North Carolina Wilmington?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →