2026 Best Anthropology Schools
Looking for the best Anthropology programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 597 colleges by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor evaluated schools to build this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Anthropology Schools in the United States
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
Our analysis found Teachers College At Columbia University to be the best Anthropology school in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. Read the full report on Teachers College At Columbia University
Cuny Graduate School And University Center came in at #2 on this year's Anthropology ranking in the United States. Set in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,235, while out-of-state students pay about $15,185. The median Anthropology program debt is $17,921. Get the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center report
The strong Anthropology programs at Dartmouth College earned it the #3 place in the United States. Based in Hanover, NH, Dartmouth College is a private not-for-profit institution. Dartmouth College posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,019. Dartmouth College Anthropology students take on a median of $14,363 in debt. More on Dartmouth College
You'll be in good company at Rice University, which ranked #4 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Houston, TX. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. 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. Read more about Rice University
You'll be in good company at Williams College, which ranked #5 this year. Williams College is a private not-for-profit school based in Williamstown, MA. About 94% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $68,560 in tuition and fees. Williams College Anthropology students take on a median of $12,615 in debt. Get the full Williams College report
Duke University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best Anthropology schools. Set in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 97%. In-state tuition and fees average $68,758. Graduates carry a median of $13,296 in student loans. See the full Duke University profile
Princeton University came in at #7 in this year's ranking. Princeton University is a private not-for-profit school based in Princeton, NJ. The six-year graduation rate is 98%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,688. Students borrow a median of $10,888 to complete their Anthropology program here. Read the full report on Princeton University
Yale University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best Anthropology schools. Set in New Haven, CT, Yale University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,250. Graduates carry a median of $14,357 in student loans. See the full Yale University profile
Bowdoin College did well this year, earning the #9 position. Set in Brunswick, ME, Bowdoin College is a private not-for-profit institution. Bowdoin College graduates 95% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,832. Students borrow a median of $20,658 to complete their Anthropology program here. Read the full report on Bowdoin College
Amherst College placed #10 among Anthropology schools in the United States. Set in Amherst, MA, Amherst College is a private not-for-profit institution. About 94% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,480. Students borrow a median of $15,398 to complete their Anthropology program here. See the full Amherst College profile
Vanderbilt University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best Anthropology schools. Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit school based in Nashville, TN. About 94% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,498. Graduates carry a median of $13,975 in student loans. Read more about Vanderbilt University
Stanford University came in at #12 in this year's ranking. Based in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 92% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,910. Typical Anthropology student debt is $10,492. More on Stanford University
Pomona College came in at #13 in this year's ranking. Based in Claremont, CA, Pomona College is a private not-for-profit institution. About 93% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $65,420. Get the full Pomona College report
Northwestern University landed the #14 spot in the United States this year. Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Evanston, IL. About 95% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $68,322 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. Read the full report on Northwestern University
Harvard University placed #15 among Anthropology schools in the United States. Harvard University is a private not-for-profit school based in Cambridge, MA. Roughly 98% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $61,676 in tuition and fees. Typical Anthropology student debt is $16,616. Read the full report on Harvard University
Johns Hopkins University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best Anthropology schools. Located in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. Johns Hopkins University posts a six-year graduation rate of 94%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,730. Graduates carry a median of $13,426 in student loans. Get the full Johns Hopkins University report
University Of Notre Dame came in at #17 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Notre Dame, IN. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,025. University Of Notre Dame Anthropology students take on a median of $19,891 in debt. More on University Of Notre Dame
Cornell University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best Anthropology schools. Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 95% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,314. Graduates carry a median of $15,005 in student loans. See the full Cornell University profile
University Of Pennsylvania landed the #19 spot in the United States this year. Set in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Pennsylvania graduates 96% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. Typical Anthropology student debt is $16,155. See the full University Of Pennsylvania profile
Bates College placed #20 among Anthropology schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lewiston, ME. Bates College graduates 90% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $66,590. The median Anthropology program debt is $12,226. See the full Bates College profile
University Of Chicago did well this year, earning the #21 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. University Of Chicago graduates 96% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $69,324 in tuition and fees. The median Anthropology program debt is $15,854. Read more about University Of Chicago
Brown University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best Anthropology schools. Brown University is a private not-for-profit school based in Providence, RI. Brown University posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $71,312. Brown University Anthropology students take on a median of $13,025 in debt. Read the full report on Brown University
Wake Forest University did well this year, earning the #23 position. Located in Winston-Salem, NC, Wake Forest University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. Students from in state pay about $67,642 in tuition and fees. Wake Forest University Anthropology students take on a median of $21,577 in debt. Read the full report on Wake Forest University
Barnard College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best Anthropology schools. Located in New York, NY, Barnard College is a private not-for-profit institution. Barnard College posts a six-year graduation rate of 93%. Students from in state pay about $69,888 in tuition and fees. Barnard College Anthropology students take on a median of $17,609 in debt. Get the full Barnard College report
Augustana College South Dakota placed #25 among Anthropology schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Sioux Falls, SD. Roughly 73% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,160. Typical Anthropology student debt is $26,217. See the full Augustana College South Dakota profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best Anthropology Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s ranking:
Depauw University landed the #26 spot in the United States this year. Located in Greencastle, IN, Depauw University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 75% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $59,070. Typical Anthropology student debt is $26,174. Get the full Depauw University report
Bucknell University came in at #27 in this year's ranking. Based in Lewisburg, PA, Bucknell University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. In-state tuition and fees average $67,812. Typical Anthropology student debt is $25,951. Read more about Bucknell University
Haverford College ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best Anthropology schools. Haverford College is a private not-for-profit school based in Haverford, PA. Haverford College graduates 90% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $70,398. More on Haverford College
Colgate University did well this year, earning the #29 position. Set in Hamilton, NY, Colgate University is a private not-for-profit institution. Colgate University graduates 91% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $70,306 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $16,286 to complete their Anthropology program here. More on Colgate University
University Of California Los Angeles placed #30 among Anthropology schools in the United States. University Of California Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. University Of California Los Angeles graduates 93% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. University Of California Los Angeles Anthropology students take on a median of $15,000 in debt. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles
Santa Rosa Junior College placed #31 among Anthropology schools in the United States. Located in Santa Rosa, CA, Santa Rosa Junior College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,318, compared with $11,308 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,692 in student loans. Read the full report on Santa Rosa Junior College
University Of Virginia Main Campus placed #32 among Anthropology schools in the United States. Based in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,118, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. University Of Virginia Main Campus Anthropology students take on a median of $13,885 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Virginia Main Campus
Wellesley College ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best Anthropology schools. Wellesley College is a private not-for-profit school based in Wellesley, MA. Roughly 92% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $67,176 in tuition and fees. Wellesley College Anthropology students take on a median of $11,075 in debt. Get the full Wellesley College report
Santa Clara University landed the #34 spot in the United States this year. Set in Santa Clara, CA, Santa Clara University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 88%. Students from in state pay about $61,293 in tuition and fees. Typical Anthropology student debt is $20,144. Read the full report on Santa Clara University
Georgetown University did well this year, earning the #35 position. Based in Washington, DC, Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 95% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $68,089 in tuition and fees. Typical Anthropology student debt is $16,483. Get the full Georgetown University report
Trinity College landed the #36 spot in the United States this year. Located in Hartford, CT, Trinity College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $70,770 in tuition and fees. Typical Anthropology student debt is $23,667. Read more about Trinity College
University Of California Berkeley placed #37 among Anthropology schools in the United States. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 93%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. The median Anthropology program debt is $12,949. Read more about University Of California Berkeley
George Washington University came in at #38 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $67,710 in tuition and fees. The median Anthropology program debt is $27,000. Read more about George Washington University
James Madison University came in at #39 in this year's ranking. Set in Harrisonburg, VA, James Madison University is a public institution. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,966, while out-of-state students pay about $31,312. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. See the full James Madison University profile
University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #40 among Anthropology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Madison, WI. The six-year graduation rate is 90%. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Graduates carry a median of $19,775 in student loans. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
Washington University In St Louis landed the #41 spot in the United States this year. Set in St. Louis, MO, Washington University In St Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. About 94% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $65,790 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. See the full Washington University In St Louis profile
Hamilton College landed the #42 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Clinton, NY. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,960. The median Anthropology program debt is $16,131. Read the full report on Hamilton College
College Of William And Mary ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best Anthropology schools. Based in Williamsburg, VA, College Of William And Mary is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. Students from in state pay about $25,734 in tuition and fees, compared with $51,038 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,067 in student loans. More on College Of William And Mary
Grinnell College landed the #44 spot in the United States this year. Grinnell College is a private not-for-profit school based in Grinnell, IA. Roughly 88% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,196. Grinnell College Anthropology students take on a median of $17,154 in debt. See the full Grinnell College profile
College Of The Holy Cross placed #45 among Anthropology schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Worcester, MA. The six-year graduation rate is 87%. Students from in state pay about $64,500 in tuition and fees. Typical Anthropology student debt is $26,387. Read the full report on College Of The Holy Cross
University Of Washington Seattle Campus placed #46 among Anthropology schools in the United States. Based in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. University Of Washington Seattle Campus graduates 85% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. See the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus profile
Tufts University did well this year, earning the #47 position. Located in Medford, MA, Tufts University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 94% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,704. Graduates carry a median of $17,074 in student loans. See the full Tufts University profile
Lycoming College ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best Anthropology schools. Based in Williamsport, PA, Lycoming College is a private not-for-profit institution. Lycoming College posts a six-year graduation rate of 60%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,804. Typical Anthropology student debt is $26,973. Read more about Lycoming College
University Of California Santa Barbara ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best Anthropology schools. Located in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. University Of California Santa Barbara graduates 83% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $15,444, compared with $47,332 for out-of-state students. University Of California Santa Barbara Anthropology students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. See the full University Of California Santa Barbara profile
Emory University came in at #50 in this year's ranking. Based in Atlanta, GA, Emory University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,280. Emory University Anthropology students take on a median of $21,515 in debt. See the full Emory University profile
Best Anthropology Schools by Degree Level
Compare rankings by degree level:
- Best Anthropology Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Anthropology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Anthropology Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Anthropology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Anthropology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Anthropology Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Anthropology Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · 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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