2026 Best Value Anthropology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Anthropology bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 597 institutions 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor reviewed schools to compile 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found Brigham Young University Provo to be the best-value Anthropology school in the United States. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo Anthropology students take on a median of $12,184 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. More on Brigham Young University Provo
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Arizona State University Skysong earned it the #2 place in the United States. Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. The median Anthropology program debt is $25,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $25,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville earned it the #3 place in the United States. Based in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,092 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Anthropology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,346. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville admits about 98% of applicants. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Western Illinois University came in at #4 on this year's best-value Anthropology ranking in the United States. Located in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,572. Western Illinois University Anthropology students take on a median of $27,639 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,163 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,639 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%. See the full Western Illinois University profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Western Carolina University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Western Carolina University is a public school based in Cullowhee, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $4,630, while out-of-state students pay about $8,630. Graduates carry a median of $22,595 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,458. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Western Carolina University
University Of North Dakota ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Based in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Students borrow a median of $25,110 to complete their Anthropology program here. Median earnings reach $63,552 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of North Dakota report
Ashford University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Ashford University is a private for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,960. Ashford University Anthropology students take on a median of $41,859 in debt. 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 placed #8 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. University Of Minnesota Morris is a public school based in Morris, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,526, compared with $16,710 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,080 to complete their Anthropology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,919. That is a strong return on a $21,080 median debt. The acceptance rate is 75%. Read more about University Of Minnesota Morris
North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. Students borrow a median of $25,153 to complete their Anthropology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,203 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,153 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report
Minnesota State University Moorhead offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public school based in Moorhead, MN. Students from in state pay about $10,428 in tuition and fees. Typical Anthropology student debt is $24,447. Minnesota State University Moorhead alumni report median earnings of $50,527 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,447 median debt. The acceptance rate is 59%. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Moorhead
University Of Florida Online offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida Online is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,876, with out-of-state students paying around $16,579. University Of Florida Online Anthropology students take on a median of $14,639 in debt. University Of Florida Online alumni report median earnings of $71,588 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,639 median debt. About 61% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Florida Online
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Based in Oshkosh, WI, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,532 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,446. Typical Anthropology student debt is $21,653. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh alumni report median earnings of $55,548 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,653 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
University Of Memphis landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,728, while out-of-state students pay about $15,384. Students borrow a median of $20,081 to complete their Anthropology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,458. Set against $20,081 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Memphis has an acceptance rate of 72%. Get the full University Of Memphis report
Youngstown State University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Based in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,926, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Graduates carry a median of $26,373 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,544. Set against $26,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Youngstown State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. More on Youngstown State University
University Of Akron Main Campus ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Set in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. Students borrow a median of $25,347 to complete their Anthropology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,600. That is a strong return on a $25,347 median debt. University Of Akron Main Campus admits about 60% of applicants. Read more about University Of Akron Main Campus
University Of Northern Iowa offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Located in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,936, while out-of-state students pay about $21,712. The median Anthropology program debt is $22,635. University Of Northern Iowa alumni report median earnings of $55,177 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,635 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read more about University Of Northern Iowa
Sonoma State University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Set in Rohnert Park, CA, Sonoma State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,624, compared with $21,224 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,249 to complete their Anthropology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,986. That is a strong return on a $19,249 median debt. Sonoma State University admits about 93% of applicants. Get the full Sonoma State University report
San Francisco State University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,846, with out-of-state students paying around $20,446. Students borrow a median of $17,250 to complete their Anthropology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,077 ten years after entry. Set against $17,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%. Get the full San Francisco State University report
Southern Illinois University Carbondale landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,334. Southern Illinois University Carbondale Anthropology students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,390 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Carbondale
University Of Minnesota Duluth ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. This public school is set in Duluth, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,608, with out-of-state students paying around $20,134. University Of Minnesota Duluth Anthropology students take on a median of $24,624 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,616 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Minnesota Duluth profile
University Of South Dakota landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,432, while out-of-state students pay about $12,942. Typical Anthropology student debt is $26,322. University Of South Dakota alumni report median earnings of $51,926 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,322 median debt. University Of South Dakota admits about 99% of applicants. Read more about University Of South Dakota
Minnesota State University Mankato placed #21 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. The median Anthropology program debt is $25,260. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. Set against $25,260 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile
Northern Illinois University placed #23 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Students borrow a median of $25,209 to complete their Anthropology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. Set against $25,209 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Northern Illinois University profile
Eastern Michigan University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Eastern Michigan University is a public school based in Ypsilanti, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $16,990. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,793 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Eastern Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 80%. Get the full Eastern Michigan University report
California State University Channel Islands ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Located in Camarillo, CA, California State University Channel Islands is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,159, with out-of-state students paying around $19,759. Graduates carry a median of $20,914 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,152 ten years out. Set against $20,914 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full California State University Channel Islands report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Anthropology Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Houston Clear Lake ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Set in Houston, TX, University Of Houston Clear Lake is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,346, compared with $22,290 for out-of-state students. The median Anthropology program debt is $29,444. 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%. See the full University Of Houston Clear Lake profile
San Jose State University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $78,988 ten years out. San Jose State University has an acceptance rate of 85%. See the full San Jose State University profile
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania placed #28 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. Set in Kutztown, PA, Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,206, compared with $16,330 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,867 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,775. That is a strong return on a $26,867 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania
Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Based in New York, NY, Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,470, compared with $15,420 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,678 to complete their Anthropology program here. Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice alumni report median earnings of $56,195 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 57%. Read the full report on Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice
Central Michigan University placed #30 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Mount Pleasant, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,480. Typical Anthropology student debt is $31,000. Central Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $55,874 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Central Michigan University
University Of South Florida Main Campus came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Based in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Typical Anthropology student debt is $21,888. University Of South Florida Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,743 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of South Florida Main Campus
Cuny York College landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Jamaica, NY, Cuny York College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,358, with out-of-state students paying around $15,308. Graduates carry a median of $12,573 in student loans. Cuny York College alumni report median earnings of $56,945 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,573 median debt. About 64% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Cuny York College
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Millersville, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,128, with out-of-state students paying around $22,952. Graduates carry a median of $26,486 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,246 ten years after entry. Set against $26,486 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on Millersville University Of Pennsylvania
California State University East Bay ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. This public school is set in Hayward, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,583, while out-of-state students pay about $20,183. Graduates carry a median of $18,073 in student loans. Median earnings reach $71,401 ten years out. Set against $18,073 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. More on California State University East Bay
California State University Los Angeles offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Set in Los Angeles, CA, California State University Los Angeles is a public institution. 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. Median earnings reach $59,211 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,000 median debt. California State University Los Angeles admits about 91% of applicants. Read the full report on California State University Los Angeles
James Madison University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Harrisonburg, VA, James Madison University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,966, with out-of-state students paying around $31,312. The median Anthropology program debt is $20,500. James Madison University alumni report median earnings of $69,954 a decade after entry. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. James Madison University has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read the full report on James Madison University
California State University Fullerton offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Located in Fullerton, CA, California State University Fullerton is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,470, compared with $20,070 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,404 to complete their Anthropology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,951 ten years after entry. Set against $14,404 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on California State University Fullerton
Cuny Hunter College landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in New York, NY, Cuny Hunter College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,382 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,332 for out-of-state students. Cuny Hunter College Anthropology students take on a median of $10,200 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,163. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 54% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Cuny Hunter College
California State University Stanislaus ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Set in Turlock, CA, California State University Stanislaus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,242, with out-of-state students paying around $20,842. Typical Anthropology student debt is $14,813. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,188. That is a strong return on a $14,813 median debt. California State University Stanislaus admits about 98% of applicants. See the full California State University Stanislaus profile
California State University Fresno placed #39 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Fresno, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $7,341, while out-of-state students pay about $19,941. Typical Anthropology student debt is $14,231. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,244 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,231 median debt. California State University Fresno admits about 95% of applicants. See the full California State University Fresno profile
University Of Southern Indiana landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Evansville, IN, University Of Southern Indiana is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,066, compared with $22,907 for out-of-state students. Typical Anthropology student debt is $21,999. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,605. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Southern Indiana has an acceptance rate of 96%. See the full University Of Southern Indiana profile
California State University Sacramento ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Set 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. The median Anthropology program debt is $20,675. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,876. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about California State University Sacramento
Saint Cloud State University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Set in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,245 in tuition and fees. The median Anthropology program debt is $25,076. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,813 ten years after entry. Set against $25,076 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. See the full Saint Cloud State University profile
University Of Central Florida came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Set in Orlando, FL, University Of Central Florida is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,368, while out-of-state students pay about $22,467. The median Anthropology program debt is $20,375. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,308. Set against $20,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 40% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Central Florida
University Of Wyoming landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Wyoming is a public school based in Laramie, WY. Students from in state pay about $7,768 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. Students borrow a median of $20,283 to complete their Anthropology program here. University Of Wyoming alumni report median earnings of $56,880 a decade after entry. Set against $20,283 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wyoming admits about 97% of applicants. More on University Of Wyoming
Suny College At Cortland offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Located in Cortland, NY, Suny College At Cortland is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,874 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,784. Students borrow a median of $25,369 to complete their Anthropology program here. Suny College At Cortland alumni report median earnings of $60,236 a decade after entry. Set against $25,369 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Suny College At Cortland has an acceptance rate of 60%. Read more about Suny College At Cortland
Troy University placed #48 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Troy, AL. Students from in state pay about $10,176 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,352 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,439 to complete their Anthropology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,062. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%. Read the full report on Troy University
Grand Valley State University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Grand Valley State University is a public school based in Allendale, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,502, while out-of-state students pay about $21,894. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,118. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. More on Grand Valley State University
San Diego State University came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. San Diego State University is a public school based in San Diego, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. San Diego State University Anthropology students take on a median of $13,099 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,909. That is a strong return on a $13,099 median debt. The acceptance rate is 36%. Read the full report on San Diego State University
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte placed #50 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. Based 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, with out-of-state students paying around $22,492. The median Anthropology program debt is $27,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,289. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte report
Related Anthropology Value Rankings
Explore 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Anthropology Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Anthropology Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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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