Anthropology at Washington State University

Pullman, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
28 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
28
Optimistic
28
Base Case
25
Pessimistic
Earnings $25,519/yr (-9% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (121,600 openings/yr)
ROI 9.1x earnings multiple (4.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #145 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 $473K $475K $448K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.1x 9.1x 8.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.1x 4.1x 3.9x
Probability of Field Employment 44% 41% 30%
DegreeOutlook Score 28 28 25

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$51,988
Out-of-state: $116,292 (4.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$57,604
-11% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,000
8.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$40,262
58% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $25,519/yr, roughly in line with the $28,155 national median for Anthropology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

A 9.1x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Anthropology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $17,000 against $25,519/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #145 ranking among 178 Anthropology programs places Washington State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $25,519-to-$40,262 earnings arc over five years reflects a 58% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Washington State University

Washington State University accepts 85% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with 21,583 students enrolled in Pullman, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at Washington State University →

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 Washington State University

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 28/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Anthropology at Washington State University?
At 28/100, 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 Washington State University?
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 →