2026 Best Value Anthropology Schools
Looking for the best-value Anthropology programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 597 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor reviewed schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Anthropology Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
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. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. The median Anthropology program debt is $12,184. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. Set against $12,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
Santa Rosa Junior College came in at #2 on this year's best-value Anthropology ranking in the United States. Located in Santa Rosa, CA, Santa Rosa Junior College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,318 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,308 for out-of-state students. Santa Rosa Junior College Anthropology students take on a median of $14,692 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,224. Set against $14,692 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Santa Rosa Junior College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Central New Mexico Community College earned it the #3 place in the United States. This public school is set in Albuquerque, NM. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,060, compared with $8,684 for out-of-state students. Central New Mexico Community College Anthropology students take on a median of $10,112 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,869. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Central New Mexico Community College profile
College Of Western Idaho came in at #4 on this year's best-value Anthropology ranking in the United States. Located in Nampa, ID, College Of Western Idaho is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,446, with out-of-state students paying around $7,454. The median Anthropology program debt is $12,497. More on College Of Western Idaho
A rank of #5 makes Cuny Graduate School And University Center one of the best values in the United States. Located in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,235, with out-of-state students paying around $15,185. Students borrow a median of $17,921 to complete their Anthropology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,991 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny Graduate School And University Center has an acceptance rate of 68%. More on Cuny Graduate School And University Center
Arizona State University Skysong offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Graduates carry a median of $25,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Set against $25,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
Butte College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Located in Oroville, CA, Butte College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,356, with out-of-state students paying around $9,276. The median Anthropology program debt is $13,302. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,810 ten years after entry. Set against $13,302 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Butte College report
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public school based in Edwardsville, IL. Students from in state pay about $12,092 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,346. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Western Illinois University placed #9 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. Based in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,572. Western Illinois University Anthropology students take on a median of $27,639 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,163. That is a strong return on a $27,639 median debt. Western Illinois University admits about 71% of applicants. Read the full report on Western Illinois University
Western Carolina University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Located in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,630, with out-of-state students paying around $8,630. Western Carolina University Anthropology students take on a median of $22,595 in debt. Median earnings reach $49,458 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,595 median debt. Western Carolina University admits about 82% of applicants. Get the full Western Carolina University report
University Of North Dakota came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Based in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,951, with out-of-state students paying around $15,570. The median Anthropology program debt is $25,110. University Of North Dakota alumni report median earnings of $63,552 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of North Dakota profile
Ashford University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Ashford University is a private for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. Students from in state pay about $11,960 in tuition and fees. Typical Anthropology student debt is $41,859. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,404 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Ashford University
University Of Minnesota Morris ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. This public school is set in Morris, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,526, while out-of-state students pay about $16,710. Typical Anthropology student debt is $21,080. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,919. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Minnesota Morris has an acceptance rate of 75%. Read more about University Of Minnesota Morris
North Dakota State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. 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. North Dakota State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $62,203 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,153 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus
Minnesota State University Moorhead came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Set in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,428. Students borrow a median of $24,447 to complete their Anthropology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,527 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,447 median debt. Roughly 59% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Minnesota State University Moorhead
Teachers College At Columbia University ranked #16 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,294. Read the full report on Teachers College At Columbia University
University Of Florida Online offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida Online is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,876, compared with $16,579 for out-of-state students. The median Anthropology program debt is $14,639. University Of Florida Online alumni report median earnings of $71,588 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 61%. Read more about University Of Florida Online
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Located in Oshkosh, WI, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,532, with out-of-state students paying around $16,446. Students borrow a median of $21,653 to complete their Anthropology program here. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh alumni report median earnings of $55,548 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Youngstown State University placed #19 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. Set in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Typical Anthropology student debt is $26,373. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,544. That is a strong return on a $26,373 median debt. Youngstown State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. More on Youngstown State University
University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. University Of Akron Main Campus is a public school based in Akron, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,135, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. Typical Anthropology student debt is $25,347. University Of Akron Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $46,600 a decade after entry. Set against $25,347 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Akron Main Campus
University Of Northern Iowa came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Set in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,936, compared with $21,712 for out-of-state students. University Of Northern Iowa Anthropology students take on a median of $22,635 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,177 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,635 median debt. University Of Northern Iowa has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read the full report on University Of Northern Iowa
East Los Angeles College ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. This public school is set in Monterey Park, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,238, while out-of-state students pay about $10,572. The median Anthropology program debt is $8,180. East Los Angeles College alumni report median earnings of $42,006 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,180 median debt. Read more about East Los Angeles College
University Of Memphis ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. University Of Memphis is a public school based in Memphis, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,728, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. University Of Memphis Anthropology students take on a median of $20,081 in debt. Median earnings reach $48,458 ten years out. Set against $20,081 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Memphis
Northern Illinois University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. Northern Illinois University Anthropology students take on a median of $25,209 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,808. That is a strong return on a $25,209 median debt. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants. See the full Northern Illinois University profile
Sonoma State University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. This public school is set in Rohnert Park, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $8,624, while out-of-state students pay about $21,224. Sonoma State University Anthropology students take on a median of $19,249 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,986. Set against $19,249 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%. More on Sonoma State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Anthropology Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
San Francisco State University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. This public school is set in San Francisco, CA. Students from in state pay about $7,846 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,446 for out-of-state students. Typical Anthropology student debt is $17,250. Median earnings reach $68,077 ten years out. Set against $17,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%. Read more about San Francisco State University
Minnesota State University Mankato placed #27 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,260 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,260 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile
Illinois State University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Illinois State University is a public school based in Normal, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. The median Anthropology program debt is $25,333. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,117. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Illinois State University
University Of Minnesota Duluth landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Duluth, MN, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,608 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,134. Graduates carry a median of $24,624 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,616 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,624 median debt. University Of Minnesota Duluth admits about 89% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Duluth
University Of South Dakota placed #30 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Vermillion, SD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,432, while out-of-state students pay about $12,942. Typical Anthropology student debt is $26,322. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,926. Set against $26,322 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Dakota admits about 99% of applicants. See the full University Of South Dakota profile
Eastern Michigan University placed #31 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. Located in Ypsilanti, MI, Eastern Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,990. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Eastern Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $51,793 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%. More on Eastern Michigan University
California State University Channel Islands ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. California State University Channel Islands is a public school based in Camarillo, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,159, with out-of-state students paying around $19,759. The median Anthropology program debt is $20,914. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,152. Set against $20,914 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Channel Islands admits about 95% of applicants. See the full California State University Channel Islands profile
San Jose State University placed #33 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. San Jose State University is a public school based in San Jose, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,988. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants. Read the full report on San Jose State University
University Of Houston Clear Lake ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. This public school is set in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $8,346, while out-of-state students pay about $22,290. Graduates carry a median of $29,444 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,004 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,444 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on University Of Houston Clear Lake
Southern Illinois University Carbondale landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,334. Typical Anthropology student debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,390 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Illinois University Carbondale has an acceptance rate of 87%. Read more about Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Based in Kutztown, PA, Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,206, compared with $16,330 for out-of-state students. The median Anthropology program debt is $26,867. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $53,775 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,867 median debt. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read the full report on Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania
Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. This public school is set in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,470, compared with $15,420 for out-of-state students. The median Anthropology program debt is $12,678. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,195. Set against $12,678 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice report
Central Michigan University placed #38 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. Central Michigan University is a public school based in Mount Pleasant, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $15,480. Graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Central Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $55,874 a decade after entry. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Central Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 90%. See the full Central Michigan University profile
Cuny York College landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Jamaica, NY, Cuny York College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,358, with out-of-state students paying around $15,308. Cuny York College Anthropology students take on a median of $12,573 in debt. Cuny York College alumni report median earnings of $56,945 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny York College admits about 64% of applicants. Read more about Cuny York College
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania placed #40 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Millersville, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,128, compared with $22,952 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,486 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,246 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,486 median debt. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania admits about 86% of applicants. See the full Millersville University Of Pennsylvania profile
University Of South Florida Main Campus ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Located in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,410, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Typical Anthropology student debt is $21,888. 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
California State University East Bay ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Based in Hayward, CA, California State University East Bay is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,583, compared with $20,183 for out-of-state students. California State University East Bay Anthropology students take on a median of $18,073 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,401 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about California State University East Bay
California State University Fullerton placed #43 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Fullerton, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,470, with out-of-state students paying around $20,070. Typical Anthropology student debt is $14,404. Median earnings reach $62,951 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Fullerton admits about 90% of applicants. More on California State University Fullerton
Wichita State University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Wichita, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,684, compared with $19,869 for out-of-state students. The median Anthropology program debt is $25,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,532. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Wichita State University
James Madison University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. This public school is set in Harrisonburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $13,966 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $31,312. James Madison University Anthropology students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $69,954 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. More on James Madison University
American River College placed #46 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. American River College is a public school based in Sacramento, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,288, with out-of-state students paying around $12,616. Typical Anthropology student debt is $14,105. American River College alumni report median earnings of $40,162 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on American River College
University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. The median Anthropology program debt is $21,260. University Of Nebraska Lincoln alumni report median earnings of $56,887 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,260 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
California State University Los Angeles placed #49 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. California State University Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. Students from in state pay about $7,164 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,764 for out-of-state students. California State University Los Angeles Anthropology students take on a median of $14,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,211 ten years after entry. Set against $14,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Los Angeles has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read the full report on California State University Los Angeles
California State University Fresno ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Located in Fresno, CA, California State University Fresno is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,341, compared with $19,941 for out-of-state students. California State University Fresno Anthropology students take on a median of $14,231 in debt. California State University Fresno alumni report median earnings of $61,244 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Fresno has an acceptance rate of 95%. Get the full California State University Fresno report
California State University Stanislaus landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Turlock, CA, California State University Stanislaus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,242, while out-of-state students pay about $20,842. Students borrow a median of $14,813 to complete their Anthropology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,188 ten years after entry. Set against $14,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on California State University Stanislaus
Best Value Anthropology Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Anthropology Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Anthropology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Anthropology Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Anthropology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Anthropology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Anthropology Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Anthropology Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 597 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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