2026 Best Value Anthropology Schools
Looking for the best-value Anthropology programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 597 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Grad Degree reviewed schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Anthropology Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is Brigham Young University Provo, our #1 best-value Anthropology school in the United States. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. Typical Anthropology student debt is $12,184. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. Set against $12,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%. See the full Brigham Young University Provo profile
A rank of #2 makes Illinois State University one of the best values in the United States. Set in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Students borrow a median of $25,333 to complete their Anthropology program here. Median earnings reach $62,117 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Illinois State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on Illinois State University
A rank of #3 makes Cuny Graduate School And University Center one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in New York, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,235, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,921 to complete their Anthropology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,991. Set against $17,921 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. More on Cuny Graduate School And University Center
North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #4 on this year's best-value Anthropology ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. The median Anthropology program debt is $25,153. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. That is a strong return on a $25,153 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus
A rank of #5 makes Northern Illinois University one of the best values in the United States. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. Students borrow a median of $25,209 to complete their Anthropology program here. Northern Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $57,808 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. More on Northern Illinois University
Texas State University San Marcos placed #6 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. Based in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, compared with $22,930 for out-of-state students. Typical Anthropology student debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,906 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas State University San Marcos admits about 89% of applicants. See the full Texas State University San Marcos profile
Teachers College At Columbia University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Teachers College At Columbia University is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. Teachers College At Columbia University alumni report median earnings of $73,294 a decade after entry. More on Teachers College At Columbia University
Biola University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Based in La Mirada, CA, Biola University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $48,984. Typical Anthropology student debt is $25,308. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,778. That is a strong return on a $25,308 median debt. Biola University admits about 74% of applicants. More on Biola University
Creighton University offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Based in Omaha, NE, Creighton University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $48,856. Creighton University Anthropology students take on a median of $25,831 in debt. Creighton University alumni report median earnings of $73,911 a decade after entry. Set against $25,831 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Creighton University admits about 80% of applicants. Read more about Creighton University
University Of Nebraska Lincoln ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Based in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Typical Anthropology student debt is $21,260. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report
Cornell University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ithaca, NY. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $15,005 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $104,043. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Cornell University report
Wichita State University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Wichita State University is a public school based in Wichita, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,684, compared with $19,869 for out-of-state students. Typical Anthropology student debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,532 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Wichita State University report
University Of Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Graduates carry a median of $19,775 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,792. Set against $19,775 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
Suny At Binghamton came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Vestal, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $10,567, with out-of-state students paying around $30,447. The median Anthropology program debt is $22,250. Median earnings reach $80,596 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,250 median debt. About 39% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Suny At Binghamton
San Francisco State University placed #15 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. Based in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,846, while out-of-state students pay about $20,446. The median Anthropology program debt is $17,250. San Francisco State University alumni report median earnings of $68,077 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,250 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. Read more about San Francisco State University
San Jose State University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,410 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. Median earnings reach $78,988 ten years out. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read more about San Jose State University
Texas Tech University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Texas Tech University Anthropology students take on a median of $26,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%. Read the full report on Texas Tech University
University Of North Texas placed #18 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. Set in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,309, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. Students borrow a median of $21,168 to complete their Anthropology program here. University Of North Texas alumni report median earnings of $57,010 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of North Texas
University Of California Berkeley offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Based in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Students borrow a median of $12,949 to complete their Anthropology program here. Median earnings reach $92,446 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,949 median debt. The acceptance rate is 11%. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
California State University Fullerton ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. California State University Fullerton is a public school based in Fullerton, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,470, compared with $20,070 for out-of-state students. Typical Anthropology student debt is $14,404. California State University Fullerton alumni report median earnings of $62,951 a decade after entry. Set against $14,404 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full California State University Fullerton profile
University Of California Los Angeles placed #21 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. University Of California Los Angeles Anthropology students take on a median of $15,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,511. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 9%. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles
The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Typical Anthropology student debt is $22,523. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,121. That is a strong return on a $22,523 median debt. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
University Of South Florida Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Set in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Typical Anthropology student debt is $21,888. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,743 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,888 median debt. About 43% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of South Florida Main Campus report
University Of Memphis ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Located in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,728, with out-of-state students paying around $15,384. Graduates carry a median of $20,081 in student loans. University Of Memphis alumni report median earnings of $48,458 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read more about University Of Memphis
University Of Colorado Denver offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Based in Denver, CO, University Of Colorado Denver is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,383, with out-of-state students paying around $29,391. University Of Colorado Denver Anthropology students take on a median of $34,502 in debt. University Of Colorado Denver alumni report median earnings of $64,270 a decade after entry. Set against $34,502 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Colorado Denver has an acceptance rate of 75%. See the full University Of Colorado Denver profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Anthropology Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
California State University Sacramento placed #26 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. Set in Sacramento, CA, California State University Sacramento is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,018, compared with $20,618 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,675 to complete their Anthropology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,876. Set against $20,675 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Get the full California State University Sacramento report
University Of Houston ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. This public school is set in Houston, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. Graduates carry a median of $22,750 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,377 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,750 median debt. University Of Houston has an acceptance rate of 74%. More on University Of Houston
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte placed #28 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. Based in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,239 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,492 for out-of-state students. Typical Anthropology student debt is $27,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,289 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
California State University Los Angeles landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Los Angeles, CA, California State University Los Angeles is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,164, while out-of-state students pay about $19,764. Students borrow a median of $14,000 to complete their Anthropology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,211. That is a strong return on a $14,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%. See the full California State University Los Angeles profile
University Of California San Diego placed #30 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. Located in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,788 in tuition and fees, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,958 to complete their Anthropology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $84,943. Set against $13,958 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of California San Diego
Yale University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Set in New Haven, CT, Yale University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,250 in tuition and fees. The median Anthropology program debt is $14,357. Yale University alumni report median earnings of $100,533 a decade after entry. Set against $14,357 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Yale University has an acceptance rate of 4%. More on Yale University
Rice University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Set in Houston, TX, Rice University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,247. Typical Anthropology student debt is $11,904. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $89,718. That is a strong return on a $11,904 median debt. About 8% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Rice University profile
University Of Nevada Reno placed #33 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. University Of Nevada Reno is a public school based in Reno, NV. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,578, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. Typical Anthropology student debt is $23,750. University Of Nevada Reno alumni report median earnings of $60,614 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nevada Reno admits about 74% of applicants. Get the full University Of Nevada Reno report
University Of Georgia landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. University Of Georgia Anthropology students take on a median of $20,366 in debt. University Of Georgia alumni report median earnings of $68,726 a decade after entry. Set against $20,366 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Georgia has an acceptance rate of 38%. Read more about University Of Georgia
University Of Virginia Main Campus ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. This public school is set in Charlottesville, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,885 to complete their Anthropology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $86,863. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Virginia Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 17%. More on University Of Virginia Main Campus
San Diego State University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Set in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,728, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,099 in student loans. San Diego State University alumni report median earnings of $64,909 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,099 median debt. The acceptance rate is 36%. Read the full report on San Diego State University
George Washington University placed #37 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. Located in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,710. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. George Washington University alumni report median earnings of $90,873 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. George Washington University has an acceptance rate of 47%. Read the full report on George Washington University
University Of Nevada Las Vegas offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Based in Las Vegas, NV, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,748 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,411 for out-of-state students. Typical Anthropology student debt is $15,379. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,037 ten years after entry. Set against $15,379 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nevada Las Vegas admits about 96% of applicants. See the full University Of Nevada Las Vegas profile
University Of Wyoming ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. University Of Wyoming is a public school based in Laramie, WY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,768, compared with $24,178 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,283 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,880 ten years after entry. Set against $20,283 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wyoming has an acceptance rate of 97%. Read the full report on University Of Wyoming
University Of Alaska Anchorage offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Based in Anchorage, AK, University Of Alaska Anchorage is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,738, while out-of-state students pay about $21,322. Graduates carry a median of $21,787 in student loans. University Of Alaska Anchorage alumni report median earnings of $51,871 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,787 median debt. More on University Of Alaska Anchorage
University Of California Santa Barbara placed #41 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. Located in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,444 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. University Of California Santa Barbara Anthropology students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,915. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. Roughly 33% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of California Santa Barbara profile
University Of Washington Seattle Campus placed #42 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete their Anthropology program here. University Of Washington Seattle Campus alumni report median earnings of $78,466 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. University Of Washington Seattle Campus has an acceptance rate of 39%. More on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Eastern University placed #43 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. Eastern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Davids, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,400. Students borrow a median of $28,584 to complete their Anthropology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,655. That is a strong return on a $28,584 median debt. Eastern University has an acceptance rate of 91%. See the full Eastern University profile
University Of Louisville ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Set in Louisville, KY, University Of Louisville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,136, compared with $29,482 for out-of-state students. The median Anthropology program debt is $23,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,899. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Louisville has an acceptance rate of 79%. Read the full report on University Of Louisville
Monmouth University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Based in West Long Branch, NJ, Monmouth University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $46,552. The median Anthropology program debt is $25,500. Median earnings reach $67,991 ten years out. Set against $25,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%. Get the full Monmouth University report
University Of California Irvine ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Set in Irvine, CA, University Of California Irvine is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,752, with out-of-state students paying around $46,640. Students borrow a median of $16,667 to complete their Anthropology program here. University Of California Irvine alumni report median earnings of $80,735 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 29%. More on University Of California Irvine
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus placed #47 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. Located in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,797, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Anthropology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,126. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus admits about 77% of applicants. See the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus profile
Boise State University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Boise, ID. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,048, while out-of-state students pay about $27,788. Boise State University Anthropology students take on a median of $29,572 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,658 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Boise State University
Michigan State University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Set in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. The median Anthropology program debt is $28,084. Median earnings reach $67,253 ten years out. Set against $28,084 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Michigan State University report
College Of William And Mary came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Williamsburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $25,734, with out-of-state students paying around $51,038. Graduates carry a median of $19,067 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,490. That is a strong return on a $19,067 median debt. College Of William And Mary has an acceptance rate of 34%. Read more about College Of William And Mary
Best Value Anthropology Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Anthropology Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Anthropology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Anthropology Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Anthropology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Anthropology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Anthropology Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Anthropology Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 597 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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