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Anthropology at University of Washington-Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $32,778/yr (16% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 11.7x earnings multiple (3.5x out-of-state)

Ranked #6 of 178 Anthropology programs Top 5%

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	$601K	$593K	$534K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.9x	11.7x	10.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.6x	3.5x	3.2x
Probability of Field Employment	44%	41%	30%
DegreeOutlook Score	47	46	41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$50,572

Out-of-state: $167,988 (3.5x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$53,940

-7% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$11,715

4.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$61,569

88% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $32,778 per year, Anthropology graduates from University of Washington-Seattle Campus earn slightly above the $28,155 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 11.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 11% 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 $11,715 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

University of Washington-Seattle Campus ranks #6 among 178 Anthropology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $32,778-to-$61,569 earnings arc over five years reflects a 88% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Washington-Seattle Campus

University of Washington-Seattle Campus accepts 43% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, serving a student body of 31,588 in Seattle, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Washington-Seattle 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

Compare Anthropology

Other Majors at University of Washington-Seattle Campus

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

What does a 46/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Anthropology at University of Washington-Seattle Campus?

At 46/100, 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 Washington-Seattle 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.

Is University of Washington-Seattle Campus one of the best schools for Anthropology?

Among 178 Anthropology programs, University of Washington-Seattle Campus's #6 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →