2026 Best Value Anthropology Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Anthropology master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 597 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, 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 Master’s Degree 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. Located in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. Typical Anthropology student debt is $12,184. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Brigham Young University Provo profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Cuny Graduate School And University Center earned it the #2 place in the United States. Located in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,235, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. Cuny Graduate School And University Center Anthropology students take on a median of $17,921 in debt. Median earnings reach $65,991 ten years out. Set against $17,921 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny Graduate School And University Center admits about 68% of applicants. Get the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center report
Out of the 597 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Illinois State University landed the #3 spot. Based in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Typical Anthropology student debt is $25,333. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,117. That is a strong return on a $25,333 median debt. Illinois State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on Illinois State University
A rank of #4 makes North Dakota State University Main Campus one of the best values in the United States. Based in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, 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. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report
A rank of #5 makes Northern Illinois University one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Dekalb, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Northern Illinois University Anthropology students take on a median of $25,209 in debt. Median earnings reach $57,808 ten years out. Set against $25,209 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 70%. Read more about Northern Illinois University
Texas State University San Marcos offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Located in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $22,930. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,906 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Texas State University San Marcos has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read more about Texas State University San Marcos
Teachers College At Columbia University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Set in New York, NY, Teachers College At Columbia University is a private not-for-profit institution. Median earnings reach $73,294 ten years out. Read the full report on Teachers College At Columbia University
Biola University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Biola University is a private not-for-profit school based in La Mirada, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $48,984. Typical Anthropology student debt is $25,308. Median earnings reach $56,778 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,308 median debt. Biola University has an acceptance rate of 74%. More on Biola University
University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #9 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. University Of Nebraska Lincoln Anthropology students take on a median of $21,260 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. Set against $21,260 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile
Creighton University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Omaha, NE. Students from in state pay about $48,856 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,831 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,911. Set against $25,831 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Creighton University report
Cornell University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Based in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. Cornell University Anthropology students take on a median of $15,005 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $104,043. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Cornell University
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. The median Anthropology program debt is $19,775. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,792. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
Suny At Binghamton placed #13 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. Suny At Binghamton is a public school based in Vestal, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,567, compared with $30,447 for out-of-state students. The median Anthropology program debt is $22,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,596. That is a strong return on a $22,250 median debt. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Suny At Binghamton
University Of South Florida Main Campus came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Located in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,410, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. University Of South Florida Main Campus Anthropology students take on a median of $21,888 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,743. Set against $21,888 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Florida Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 43%. Read more about University Of South Florida Main Campus
San Francisco State University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,846, while out-of-state students pay about $20,446. Typical Anthropology student debt is $17,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,077. Set against $17,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on San Francisco State University
San Jose State University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in San Jose, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. San Jose State University alumni report median earnings of $78,988 a decade after entry. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read the full report on San Jose State University
Texas Tech University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,500 to complete their Anthropology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,454. That is a strong return on a $26,500 median debt. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Texas Tech University profile
Wichita State University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Wichita State University is a public school based in Wichita, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,684, while out-of-state students pay about $19,869. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Anthropology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,532. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wichita State University has an acceptance rate of 94%. More on Wichita State University
University Of North Texas came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. University Of North Texas is a public school based in Denton, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,309 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. University Of North Texas Anthropology students take on a median of $21,168 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,010. That is a strong return on a $21,168 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of North Texas
California State University Fullerton offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Set in Fullerton, CA, California State University Fullerton is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,470, with out-of-state students paying around $20,070. Typical Anthropology student debt is $14,404. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,951. Set against $14,404 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about California State University Fullerton
University Of Memphis offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. This public school is set in Memphis, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,728, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. Typical Anthropology student debt is $20,081. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,458 ten years after entry. Set against $20,081 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Memphis
University Of California Los Angeles landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of California Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Typical Anthropology student debt is $15,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,511 ten years after entry. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. 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 Colorado Denver came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. University Of Colorado Denver is a public school based in Denver, CO. Students from in state pay about $10,383 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,391. Typical Anthropology student debt is $34,502. University Of Colorado Denver alumni report median earnings of $64,270 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Colorado Denver
University Of California Berkeley offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. University Of California Berkeley Anthropology students take on a median of $12,949 in debt. University Of California Berkeley alumni report median earnings of $92,446 a decade after entry. Set against $12,949 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Anthropology Master’s Degree 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. Located in Sacramento, CA, California State University Sacramento is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,018, compared with $20,618 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,675 to complete their Anthropology program here. Median earnings reach $64,876 ten years out. Set against $20,675 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Sacramento admits about 94% of applicants. Get the full California State University Sacramento report
University Of California Irvine offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. This public school is set in Irvine, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $14,752, with out-of-state students paying around $46,640. University Of California Irvine Anthropology students take on a median of $16,667 in debt. University Of California Irvine alumni report median earnings of $80,735 a decade after entry. Set against $16,667 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Irvine admits about 29% of applicants. See the full University Of California Irvine profile
University Of Houston placed #28 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. The median Anthropology program debt is $22,750. University Of Houston alumni report median earnings of $62,377 a decade after entry. Set against $22,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Houston report
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Set in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,239, compared with $22,492 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,750 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,289 ten years after entry. Set against $27,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte admits about 80% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
California State University Los Angeles ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Based in Los Angeles, CA, California State University Los Angeles is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,164, compared with $19,764 for out-of-state students. The median Anthropology program debt is $14,000. California State University Los Angeles alumni report median earnings of $59,211 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,000 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Get the full California State University Los Angeles report
University Of Nevada Reno came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Set in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,578 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,720. Graduates carry a median of $23,750 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,614. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Nevada Reno
Rice University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Houston, TX. Students from in state pay about $61,247 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $11,904 to complete their Anthropology program here. Rice University alumni report median earnings of $89,718 a decade after entry. Set against $11,904 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 8% of applicants are accepted. More on Rice University
University Of Virginia Main Campus landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Charlottesville, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. Typical Anthropology student debt is $13,885. Graduates go on to earn a median of $86,863 ten years after entry. Set against $13,885 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 17% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Virginia Main Campus report
University Of California San Diego placed #34 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. This public school is set in La Jolla, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,788, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. The median Anthropology program debt is $13,958. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,943. That is a strong return on a $13,958 median debt. The acceptance rate is 27%. Get the full University Of California San Diego report
San Diego State University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Based in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,728, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,099 to complete their Anthropology program here. San Diego State University alumni report median earnings of $64,909 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 36% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about San Diego State University
University Of Nevada Las Vegas placed #36 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $27,411. University Of Nevada Las Vegas Anthropology students take on a median of $15,379 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,037. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nevada Las Vegas has an acceptance rate of 96%. Get the full University Of Nevada Las Vegas report
George Washington University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. In-state tuition and fees average $67,710. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Anthropology program here. George Washington University alumni report median earnings of $90,873 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 47% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on George Washington University
Yale University placed #37 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. Located in New Haven, CT, Yale University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,250. Yale University Anthropology students take on a median of $14,357 in debt. Median earnings reach $100,533 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,357 median debt. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Yale University profile
University Of Wyoming came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Laramie, WY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,768, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. Typical Anthropology student debt is $20,283. University Of Wyoming alumni report median earnings of $56,880 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wyoming has an acceptance rate of 97%. Get the full University Of Wyoming report
University Of Alaska Anchorage came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Set in Anchorage, AK, University Of Alaska Anchorage is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,738, with out-of-state students paying around $21,322. Students borrow a median of $21,787 to complete their Anthropology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,871. Set against $21,787 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on University Of Alaska Anchorage
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. This public school is set in Milwaukee, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,398, with out-of-state students paying around $22,398. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee alumni report median earnings of $54,990 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee has an acceptance rate of 91%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee report
University Of California Santa Barbara came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Santa Barbara, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,444, compared with $47,332 for out-of-state students. Typical Anthropology student debt is $19,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,915. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 33%. Read the full report on University Of California Santa Barbara
Eastern University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Eastern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Davids, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,400. The median Anthropology program debt is $28,584. Eastern University alumni report median earnings of $51,655 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Eastern University admits about 91% of applicants. See the full Eastern University profile
University Of Louisville landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Based 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. Median earnings reach $53,899 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,000 median debt. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Louisville
Monmouth University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Based in West Long Branch, NJ, Monmouth University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $46,552. The median Anthropology program debt is $25,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,991. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Monmouth University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read the full report on Monmouth University
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Norman, OK. Students from in state pay about $9,797 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. 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 has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read more about University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Texas A And M University College Station placed #47 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Typical Anthropology student debt is $21,264. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,097. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Texas A And M University College Station report
University Of Washington Seattle Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Set in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. 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
College Of William And Mary landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Williamsburg, VA, College Of William And Mary is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,734, compared with $51,038 for out-of-state students. The median Anthropology program debt is $19,067. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,490. That is a strong return on a $19,067 median debt. The acceptance rate is 34%. More on College Of William And Mary
California State University Chico ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Based in Chico, CA, California State University Chico is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,472, with out-of-state students paying around $21,072. The median Anthropology program debt is $19,833. California State University Chico alumni report median earnings of $64,172 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Chico admits about 93% of applicants. Read the full report on California State University Chico
Related Anthropology Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Anthropology Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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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