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Anthropology at University of Virginia-Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $30,609/yr (9% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 6.7x earnings multiple (2.4x out-of-state)

Ranked #69 of 178 Anthropology programs Top 50%

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	$564K	$558K	$509K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	6.7x	6.7x	6.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	2.4x	2.4x	2.2x
Probability of Field Employment	44%	41%	30%
DegreeOutlook Score	36	36	31

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$83,944

Out-of-state: $232,056 (2.4x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$91,524

-9% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$12,500

4.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$55,460

81% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $30,609 per year, Anthropology graduates from University of Virginia-Main Campus earn slightly above the $28,155 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

A 6.7x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

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

The median debt load of $12,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #69 ranking among 178 Anthropology programs places University of Virginia-Main Campus in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $30,609-to-$55,460 earnings arc over five years reflects a 81% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Virginia-Main Campus

A 17% acceptance rate puts University of Virginia-Main Campus in competitive admissions territory, with a mid-sized student body of 17,315 in Charlottesville, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Virginia-Main Campus →

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 Virginia-Main Campus

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 36/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Anthropology at University of Virginia-Main Campus?

At 36/100, 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 Virginia-Main Campus?

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 →