2026 Best Anthropology Master’s Degree Schools

#1

Teachers College At Columbia University

New York, NY

Teachers College At Columbia University tops our 2026 ranking of the best Anthropology master's degree schools in the United States. Set in New York, NY, Teachers College At Columbia University is a private not-for-profit institution. Read the full report on Teachers College At Columbia University

#2

Cuny Graduate School And University Center

New York, NY

You'll be in good company at Cuny Graduate School And University Center, which ranked #2 this year. Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public school based in New York, NY. Students from in state pay about $7,235 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,185. Cuny Graduate School And University Center Anthropology students take on a median of $17,921 in debt. More on Cuny Graduate School And University Center

#3

Rice University

Houston, TX

A rank of #3 makes Rice University one of the top choices in the United States. Rice University is a private not-for-profit school based in Houston, TX. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,247. Students borrow a median of $11,904 to complete their Anthropology program here. More on Rice University

#4

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ

You'll be in good company at Princeton University, which ranked #4 this year. Set in Princeton, NJ, Princeton University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 98%. In-state tuition and fees average $62,688. Students borrow a median of $10,888 to complete their Anthropology program here. Read the full report on Princeton University

#5

Yale University

New Haven, CT

Out of the 597 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Yale University landed the #5 spot. Yale University is a private not-for-profit school based in New Haven, CT. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. 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. Read the full report on Yale University

#6

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt University landed the #6 spot in the United States this year. Set in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. Vanderbilt University graduates 94% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $67,498. The median Anthropology program debt is $13,975. See the full Vanderbilt University profile

#7

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA

Harvard University placed #7 among Anthropology schools in the United States. Based in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 98%. In-state tuition and fees average $61,676. Graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. More on Harvard University

#8

Stanford University

Stanford, CA

Stanford University came in at #8 in this year's ranking. Located in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 92%. In-state tuition and fees average $65,910. Typical Anthropology student debt is $10,492. Read more about Stanford University

#9

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD

Johns Hopkins University came in at #9 in this year's ranking. Set in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. Johns Hopkins University graduates 94% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $64,730. The median Anthropology program debt is $13,426. More on Johns Hopkins University

#10

University Of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN

University Of Notre Dame placed #10 among Anthropology schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Notre Dame, IN. About 95% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,025. Students borrow a median of $19,891 to complete their Anthropology program here. Get the full University Of Notre Dame report

#11

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

Cornell University did well this year, earning the #11 position. Cornell University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ithaca, NY. About 95% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $69,314. Cornell University Anthropology students take on a median of $15,005 in debt. See the full Cornell University profile

#12

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL

Northwestern University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best Anthropology schools. Located in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,322. Typical Anthropology student debt is $16,616. See the full Northwestern University profile

#13

Brown University

Providence, RI

Brown University came in at #13 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Providence, RI. About 96% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $71,312 in tuition and fees. Typical Anthropology student debt is $13,025. See the full Brown University profile

#14

University Of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best Anthropology schools. Based in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. University Of Pennsylvania Anthropology students take on a median of $16,155 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Pennsylvania

#15

University Of Virginia Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA

University Of Virginia Main Campus did well this year, earning the #15 position. Set in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. University Of Virginia Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. Typical Anthropology student debt is $13,885. See the full University Of Virginia Main Campus profile

#16

University Of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison did well this year, earning the #16 position. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. University Of Wisconsin Madison posts a six-year graduation rate of 90%. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Students borrow a median of $19,775 to complete their Anthropology program here. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison

#17

Suny At Binghamton

Vestal, NY

Suny At Binghamton ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best Anthropology schools. This public school is set in Vestal, NY. Roughly 82% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $10,567 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $30,447. The median Anthropology program debt is $22,250. See the full Suny At Binghamton profile

#18

University Of California Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles landed the #18 spot in the United States this year. Based in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles

#19

George Washington University

Washington, DC

George Washington University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best Anthropology schools. George Washington University is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. In-state tuition and fees average $67,710. The median Anthropology program debt is $27,000. Get the full George Washington University report

#20

University Of California Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley landed the #20 spot in the United States this year. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Graduates carry a median of $12,949 in student loans. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile

#21

College Of William And Mary

Williamsburg, VA

College Of William And Mary landed the #21 spot in the United States this year. Set in Williamsburg, VA, College Of William And Mary is a public institution. College Of William And Mary graduates 89% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $25,734 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $51,038. Students borrow a median of $19,067 to complete their Anthropology program here. More on College Of William And Mary

#22

Washington University In St Louis

St. Louis, MO

Washington University In St Louis came in at #22 in this year's ranking. Set in St. Louis, MO, Washington University In St Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. Washington University In St Louis posts a six-year graduation rate of 94%. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,790. Washington University In St Louis Anthropology students take on a median of $15,000 in debt. Read more about Washington University In St Louis

#23

University Of California Irvine

Irvine, CA

University Of California Irvine did well this year, earning the #23 position. Located in Irvine, CA, University Of California Irvine is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 87%. Students from in state pay about $14,752 in tuition and fees, compared with $46,640 for out-of-state students. The median Anthropology program debt is $16,667. Get the full University Of California Irvine report

#24

Emory University

Atlanta, GA

Emory University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best Anthropology schools. Emory University is a private not-for-profit school based in Atlanta, GA. Emory University graduates 91% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,280. Typical Anthropology student debt is $21,515. See the full Emory University profile

#25

University Of Washington Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA

University Of Washington Seattle Campus did well this year, earning the #25 position. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. University Of Washington Seattle Campus Anthropology students take on a median of $12,000 in debt. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus

#26

University Of California San Diego

La Jolla, CA

University Of California San Diego came in at #26 in this year's ranking. Based in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,788, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,958 to complete their Anthropology program here. More on University Of California San Diego

#27

Texas State University San Marcos

San Marcos, TX

Texas State University San Marcos did well this year, earning the #27 position. Texas State University San Marcos is a public school based in San Marcos, TX. About 55% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $22,930. The median Anthropology program debt is $25,000. Read the full report on Texas State University San Marcos

#28

Case Western Reserve University

Cleveland, OH

Case Western Reserve University came in at #28 in this year's ranking. Located in Cleveland, OH, Case Western Reserve University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 87% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $66,608. The median Anthropology program debt is $26,000. Read more about Case Western Reserve University

#29

University Of California Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA

University Of California Santa Barbara ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best Anthropology schools. Located in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. About 83% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,444, with out-of-state students paying around $47,332. 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

#30

University Of Nebraska Lincoln

Lincoln, NE

University Of Nebraska Lincoln did well this year, earning the #30 position. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Roughly 67% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. University Of Nebraska Lincoln Anthropology students take on a median of $21,260 in debt. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report

#31

University Of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA

University Of Southern California did well this year, earning the #31 position. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Southern California posts a six-year graduation rate of 92%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,647. Typical Anthropology student debt is $15,625. See the full University Of Southern California profile

#32

Monmouth University

West Long Branch, NJ

Monmouth University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best Anthropology schools. Monmouth University is a private not-for-profit school based in West Long Branch, NJ. The six-year graduation rate is 72%. In-state tuition and fees run about $46,552. Typical Anthropology student debt is $25,500. Read the full report on Monmouth University

#33

University Of Colorado Denver

Denver, CO

University Of Colorado Denver placed #33 among Anthropology schools in the United States. Located in Denver, CO, University Of Colorado Denver is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 46%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,383, compared with $29,391 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $34,502 to complete their Anthropology program here. Get the full University Of Colorado Denver report

#34

University Of South Florida Main Campus

Tampa, FL

University Of South Florida Main Campus placed #34 among Anthropology schools in the United States. Set in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. University Of South Florida Main Campus graduates 77% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,888 in student loans. More on University Of South Florida Main Campus

#35

American University

Washington, DC

American University came in at #35 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. American University posts a six-year graduation rate of 76%. In-state tuition and fees average $58,771. Typical Anthropology student debt is $27,000. See the full American University profile

#36

Brigham Young University Provo

Provo, UT

Brigham Young University Provo placed #36 among Anthropology schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. Brigham Young University Provo posts a six-year graduation rate of 81%. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. Students borrow a median of $12,184 to complete their Anthropology program here. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report

#37

The University Of Texas At Austin

Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best Anthropology schools. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Students borrow a median of $22,523 to complete their Anthropology program here. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report

#38

University Of Louisville

Louisville, KY

University Of Louisville placed #38 among Anthropology schools in the United States. Based in Louisville, KY, University Of Louisville is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 61%. Students from in state pay about $13,136 in tuition and fees, compared with $29,482 for out-of-state students. Typical Anthropology student debt is $23,000. Read the full report on University Of Louisville

#39

University Of Maryland College Park

College Park, MD

University Of Maryland College Park came in at #39 in this year's ranking. Set in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. Graduates carry a median of $20,070 in student loans. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report

#40

University Of Iowa

Iowa City, IA

University Of Iowa did well this year, earning the #40 position. Set in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. The median Anthropology program debt is $25,696. See the full University Of Iowa profile

#41

Creighton University

Omaha, NE

Creighton University placed #41 among Anthropology schools in the United States. Based in Omaha, NE, Creighton University is a private not-for-profit institution. Creighton University graduates 83% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $48,856. The median Anthropology program debt is $25,831. See the full Creighton University profile

#42

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #42 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Champaign, IL. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Graduates carry a median of $21,650 in student loans. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

#43

Illinois State University

Normal, IL

Illinois State University did well this year, earning the #43 position. Based in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 64%. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Graduates carry a median of $25,333 in student loans. Read more about Illinois State University

#44

University Of Chicago

Chicago, IL

University Of Chicago ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best Anthropology schools. Located in Chicago, IL, University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. About 96% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,324. Graduates carry a median of $15,854 in student loans. Read more about University Of Chicago

#45

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee

Milwaukee, WI

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee came in at #45 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Milwaukee, WI. The six-year graduation rate is 53%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,398, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee

#46

Columbia University In The City Of New York

New York, NY

Columbia University In The City Of New York ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best Anthropology schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,517. Typical Anthropology student debt is $34,500. Read more about Columbia University In The City Of New York

#47

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best Anthropology schools. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public school based in Ann Arbor, MI. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,848, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. Graduates carry a median of $14,623 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

#48

University Of California Davis

Davis, CA

University Of California Davis did well this year, earning the #48 position. University Of California Davis is a public school based in Davis, CA. University Of California Davis posts a six-year graduation rate of 86%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. Typical Anthropology student debt is $15,000. More on University Of California Davis

#49

Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX

Southern Methodist University placed #49 among Anthropology schools in the United States. Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit school based in Dallas, TX. About 84% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,040. Graduates carry a median of $23,125 in student loans. More on Southern Methodist University

#50

North Dakota State University Main Campus

Fargo, ND

North Dakota State University Main Campus landed the #50 spot in the United States this year. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. North Dakota State University Main Campus graduates 64% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. North Dakota State University Main Campus Anthropology students take on a median of $25,153 in debt. See the full North Dakota State University Main Campus profile