2026 Best Value Anthropology Doctoral Degree Schools

#1

Cuny Graduate School And University Center

New York, NY

Cuny Graduate School And University Center tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Anthropology doctoral degree schools in the United States. Based in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,235, while out-of-state students pay about $15,185. Cuny Graduate School And University Center Anthropology students take on a median of $17,921 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,991 ten years after entry. Set against $17,921 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Cuny Graduate School And University Center

#2

Teachers College At Columbia University

New York, NY

You'll get strong value at Teachers College At Columbia University, which ranked #2 this year. Located in New York, NY, Teachers College At Columbia University is a private not-for-profit institution. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,294 ten years after entry. Read the full report on Teachers College At Columbia University

#3

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

Cornell University came in at #3 on this year's best-value Anthropology ranking in the United States. Cornell University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ithaca, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,314. Cornell University Anthropology students take on a median of $15,005 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $104,043. That is a strong return on a $15,005 median debt. Cornell University admits about 9% of applicants. See the full Cornell University profile

#4

University Of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, WI

Out of the 597 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #4 spot. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Typical Anthropology student debt is $19,775. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. Set against $19,775 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison

#5

University Of California Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

You'll get strong value at University Of California Berkeley, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Graduates carry a median of $12,949 in student loans. Median earnings reach $92,446 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of California Berkeley report

#6

University Of California Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles placed #6 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,511. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles

#7

The University Of Texas At Austin

Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. The University Of Texas At Austin Anthropology students take on a median of $22,523 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,121. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. More on The University Of Texas At Austin

#8

Suny At Binghamton

Vestal, NY

Suny At Binghamton landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Vestal, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,567, compared with $30,447 for out-of-state students. The median Anthropology program debt is $22,250. Median earnings reach $80,596 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Suny At Binghamton has an acceptance rate of 39%. Get the full Suny At Binghamton report

#9

University Of South Florida Main Campus

Tampa, FL

University Of South Florida Main Campus landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Graduates carry a median of $21,888 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,743. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 43% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of South Florida Main Campus profile

#10

Yale University

New Haven, CT

Yale University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Yale University is a private not-for-profit school based in New Haven, CT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,250. Students borrow a median of $14,357 to complete their Anthropology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $100,533. That is a strong return on a $14,357 median debt. The acceptance rate is 4%. Read the full report on Yale University

#11

University Of California San Diego

La Jolla, CA

University Of California San Diego offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. Students borrow a median of $13,958 to complete their Anthropology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $84,943. That is a strong return on a $13,958 median debt. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of California San Diego

#12

Rice University

Houston, TX

Rice University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Set in Houston, TX, Rice University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. The acceptance rate is 8%. Read more about Rice University

#13

University Of Georgia

Athens, GA

University Of Georgia came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Set in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Students borrow a median of $20,366 to complete their Anthropology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,726. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Georgia has an acceptance rate of 38%. See the full University Of Georgia profile

#14

University Of Virginia Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA

University Of Virginia Main Campus came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Located in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $23,118 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. Students borrow a median of $13,885 to complete their Anthropology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $86,863. That is a strong return on a $13,885 median debt. University Of Virginia Main Campus admits about 17% of applicants. More on University Of Virginia Main Campus

#15

University Of Nevada Reno

Reno, NV

University Of Nevada Reno landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,578 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. University Of Nevada Reno Anthropology students take on a median of $23,750 in debt. University Of Nevada Reno alumni report median earnings of $60,614 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,750 median debt. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Nevada Reno report

#15

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Michigan State University is a public school based in East Lansing, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Typical Anthropology student debt is $28,084. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,253. That is a strong return on a $28,084 median debt. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. More on Michigan State University

#17

University Of Washington Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA

University Of Washington Seattle Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. The median Anthropology program debt is $12,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,466. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants. Get the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus report

#18

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,994, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. Students borrow a median of $11,982 to complete their Anthropology program here. Median earnings reach $72,200 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,982 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill admits about 15% of applicants. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill report

#19

University Of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. University Of Pennsylvania Anthropology students take on a median of $16,155 in debt. Median earnings reach $111,371 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,155 median debt. University Of Pennsylvania admits about 5% of applicants. More on University Of Pennsylvania

#20

University Of Nevada Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV

University Of Nevada Las Vegas placed #20 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public school based in Las Vegas, NV. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,748, compared with $27,411 for out-of-state students. Typical Anthropology student debt is $15,379. Median earnings reach $55,037 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,379 median debt. University Of Nevada Las Vegas has an acceptance rate of 96%. More on University Of Nevada Las Vegas

#21

College Of William And Mary

Williamsburg, VA

College Of William And Mary landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Williamsburg, VA, College Of William And Mary is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,734, compared with $51,038 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,067 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,490. Set against $19,067 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 34% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on College Of William And Mary

#21

Temple University

Philadelphia, PA

Temple University placed #21 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $23,005, compared with $38,805 for out-of-state students. Temple University Anthropology students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,727 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Temple University admits about 80% of applicants. See the full Temple University profile

#21

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus

Norman, OK

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus placed #21 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public school based in Norman, OK. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,797, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. The median Anthropology program debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $63,126 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus

#24

Arizona State University

Tempe, AZ

Arizona State University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Arizona State University is a public school based in Tempe, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Typical Anthropology student debt is $25,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. Set against $25,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read the full report on Arizona State University

#24

University Of California Irvine

Irvine, CA

University Of California Irvine ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. This public school is set in Irvine, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,752, with out-of-state students paying around $46,640. Typical Anthropology student debt is $16,667. Median earnings reach $80,735 ten years out. Set against $16,667 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Irvine has an acceptance rate of 29%. More on University Of California Irvine

#26

University Of California Davis

Davis, CA

University Of California Davis came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Located in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,804, while out-of-state students pay about $47,692. University Of California Davis Anthropology students take on a median of $15,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $80,838. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%. Read more about University Of California Davis

#27

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #27 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Champaign, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. The median Anthropology program debt is $21,650. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign alumni report median earnings of $81,054 a decade after entry. Set against $21,650 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

#28

Texas A And M University College Station

College Station, TX

Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Students borrow a median of $21,264 to complete their Anthropology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,097. Set against $21,264 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas A And M University College Station has an acceptance rate of 57%. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station

#29

Indiana University Bloomington

Bloomington, IN

Indiana University Bloomington offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Indiana University Bloomington is a public school based in Bloomington, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $12,144, while out-of-state students pay about $41,891. Typical Anthropology student debt is $16,562. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,742. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Indiana University Bloomington

#30

University Of Iowa

Iowa City, IA

University Of Iowa offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Based in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. The median Anthropology program debt is $25,696. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,762 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,696 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Iowa profile

#31

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Nashville, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $67,498. Typical Anthropology student debt is $13,975. Graduates go on to earn a median of $91,565 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Vanderbilt University has an acceptance rate of 6%. Read more about Vanderbilt University

#31

Stanford University

Stanford, CA

Stanford University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,910. Typical Anthropology student debt is $10,492. Graduates go on to earn a median of $124,080 ten years after entry. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Stanford University has an acceptance rate of 4%. Read the full report on Stanford University

#33

University Of Missouri Columbia

Columbia, MO

University Of Missouri Columbia offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Located in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,837, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. Graduates carry a median of $17,600 in student loans. Median earnings reach $63,403 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,600 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Missouri Columbia

#34

Duke University

Durham, NC

Duke University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Based in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,758. Duke University Anthropology students take on a median of $13,296 in debt. Duke University alumni report median earnings of $97,800 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Duke University has an acceptance rate of 6%. Read the full report on Duke University

#35

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Located in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Typical Anthropology student debt is $23,375. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,020 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,375 median debt. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities profile

#36

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA

Harvard University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Set in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $61,676. Graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. Median earnings reach $101,817 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. The acceptance rate is 4%. More on Harvard University

#37

Suny At Albany

Albany, NY

Suny At Albany came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Suny At Albany is a public school based in Albany, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,601, with out-of-state students paying around $30,991. Suny At Albany Anthropology students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. Suny At Albany alumni report median earnings of $67,979 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Suny At Albany

#38

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ

Princeton University landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Princeton, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,688. Students borrow a median of $10,888 to complete their Anthropology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $110,066. Set against $10,888 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Princeton University has an acceptance rate of 5%. Read the full report on Princeton University

#39

Purdue University Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Set in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Purdue University Main Campus Anthropology students take on a median of $18,972 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,424 ten years after entry. Set against $18,972 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Purdue University Main Campus report

#39

Washington State University

Pullman, WA

Washington State University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Based in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,391, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. Students borrow a median of $18,500 to complete their Anthropology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,905. Set against $18,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Washington State University admits about 87% of applicants. Get the full Washington State University report

#41

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL

Northwestern University placed #41 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. Set in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,322. Typical Anthropology student debt is $16,616. Graduates go on to earn a median of $89,363 ten years after entry. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northwestern University admits about 8% of applicants. More on Northwestern University

#42

University Of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR

University Of Arkansas ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. University Of Arkansas is a public school based in Fayetteville, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, compared with $29,966 for out-of-state students. The median Anthropology program debt is $24,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,191. That is a strong return on a $24,250 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Arkansas profile

#43

University Of California Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA

University Of California Santa Cruz ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. This public school is set in Santa Cruz, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,035, compared with $46,923 for out-of-state students. Typical Anthropology student debt is $17,875. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,396. Set against $17,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of California Santa Cruz report

#44

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee

Milwaukee, WI

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. This public school is set in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,398, compared with $22,398 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Anthropology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,990 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee report

#45

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD

Johns Hopkins University placed #45 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. Based in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $64,730. Typical Anthropology student debt is $13,426. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $87,555. Set against $13,426 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Johns Hopkins University has an acceptance rate of 6%. Read the full report on Johns Hopkins University

#46

Oregon State University

Corvallis, OR

Oregon State University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Corvallis, OR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,400, while out-of-state students pay about $38,190. Typical Anthropology student debt is $27,799. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,010 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Oregon State University has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read more about Oregon State University

#46

New York University

New York, NY

New York University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. Students from in state pay about $62,796 in tuition and fees. The median Anthropology program debt is $21,897. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,509. That is a strong return on a $21,897 median debt. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Get the full New York University report

#48

Kent State University At Kent

Kent, OH

Kent State University At Kent placed #48 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. Located in Kent, OH, Kent State University At Kent is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,220, while out-of-state students pay about $21,575. Graduates carry a median of $26,697 in student loans. Kent State University At Kent alumni report median earnings of $45,388 a decade after entry. Set against $26,697 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kent State University At Kent has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full Kent State University At Kent profile

#49

Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX

Southern Methodist University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Set in Dallas, TX, Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,040. Graduates carry a median of $23,125 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,354. That is a strong return on a $23,125 median debt. The acceptance rate is 63%. See the full Southern Methodist University profile

#50

University Of Oregon

Eugene, OR

University Of Oregon came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Located in Eugene, OR, University Of Oregon is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,320, while out-of-state students pay about $42,516. University Of Oregon Anthropology students take on a median of $25,646 in debt. University Of Oregon alumni report median earnings of $61,324 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,646 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on University Of Oregon