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Anthropology at Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
32 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
32
Optimistic
32
Base Case
26
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,489/yr (22% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (121,600 openings/yr)
ROI 1.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #103 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 $449K $453K $432K
Earnings Multiple 1.8x 1.8x 1.7x
Probability of Field Employment 44% 41% 30%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 32 26

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$251,928
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$88,468
65% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
5.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $34,489 at Washington University in St Louis come in 22% above the national median of $28,155 for Anthropology programs.

An earnings multiple of 1.8x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 47% task exposure — and the 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

With first-year pay of $34,489 far exceeding the $15,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #103 out of 178 programs, Washington University in St Louis's financial outcomes for Anthropology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Washington University in St Louis

Washington University in St Louis's 12% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, with a mid-sized student body of 7,897 in Saint Louis, MO. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $88,468 — 65% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Washington University in St Louis →

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

Compare this program → View all 178 schools offering Anthropology →

Anthropology at Other Schools

Southern Methodist University ($56,550) Monmouth University ($46,302) Duke University ($43,924) Southern New Hampshire University ($41,986) Fordham University ($40,384) Dartmouth College ($40,071) CUNY Lehman College ($38,879) George Mason University ($37,081)

Other Majors at Washington University in St Louis

Computer Science ($110,302) Business/Managerial Economics ($106,701) Finance and Financial Management Services ($102,814) Systems Engineering ($83,874) Mathematics ($79,799) Mechanical Engineering ($72,057) Marketing ($70,819) Chemical Engineering ($69,801)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Anthropology trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Washington University in St Louis's Anthropology program score?
This program scores 32/100 — 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.
How affordable is Anthropology at Washington University in St Louis after financial aid?
Sticker price is $251,928, but the average net cost is $88,468 — a 65% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →