2026 Best Value Anthropology Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Anthropology doctoral degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 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.
So you can compare your options, 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is Cuny Graduate School And University Center, our #1 best-value Anthropology school in the United States. Located in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,235, with out-of-state students paying around $15,185. Graduates carry a median of $17,921 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,991. Set against $17,921 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center profile
You'll get strong value at Teachers College At Columbia University, which ranked #2 this year. Located 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. More on Teachers College At Columbia University
A rank of #3 makes Cornell University one of the best values in the United States. Cornell University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ithaca, NY. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $15,005 to complete their Anthropology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $104,043 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cornell University admits about 9% of applicants. More on Cornell University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Wisconsin Madison earned it the #4 place in the United States. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Typical Anthropology student debt is $19,775. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,775 median debt. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of California Berkeley came in at #5 on this year's best-value Anthropology ranking in the United States. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. University Of California Berkeley Anthropology students take on a median of $12,949 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,446. Set against $12,949 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
University Of California Los Angeles offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. The median Anthropology program debt is $15,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,511. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Los Angeles has an acceptance rate of 9%. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles
The University Of Texas At Austin placed #7 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,523 to complete their Anthropology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,121 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin
Suny At Binghamton came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Located in Vestal, NY, Suny At Binghamton is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,567, while out-of-state students pay about $30,447. Graduates carry a median of $22,250 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,596. Set against $22,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 39% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Suny At Binghamton profile
University Of South Florida Main Campus ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Located in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,410, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,888 to complete their Anthropology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,743 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Florida Main Campus admits about 43% of applicants. Get the full University Of South Florida Main Campus report
Yale University placed #10 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Haven, CT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,250. The median Anthropology program debt is $14,357. Yale University alumni report median earnings of $100,533 a decade after entry. Set against $14,357 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Yale University admits about 4% of applicants. Get the full Yale University report
University Of California San Diego came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Based in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,788, while out-of-state students pay about $47,676. Graduates carry a median of $13,958 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $84,943. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 27%. See the full University Of California San Diego profile
Rice University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Houston, TX. Students from in state pay about $61,247 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $11,904 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $89,718. That is a strong return on a $11,904 median debt. Roughly 8% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Rice University
University Of Georgia offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. This public school is set in Athens, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,366 in student loans. University Of Georgia alumni report median earnings of $68,726 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 38%. More on University Of Georgia
University Of Virginia Main Campus ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Located in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. Typical Anthropology student debt is $13,885. Graduates go on to earn a median of $86,863 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,885 median debt. University Of Virginia Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 17%. More on University Of Virginia Main Campus
Michigan State University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in East Lansing, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Students borrow a median of $28,084 to complete their Anthropology program here. Median earnings reach $67,253 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read the full report on Michigan State University
University Of Nevada Reno placed #15 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. Set in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,578 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. Students borrow a median of $23,750 to complete their Anthropology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,614 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,750 median debt. University Of Nevada Reno has an acceptance rate of 74%. See the full University Of Nevada Reno profile
University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Located in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete their Anthropology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,466. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants. Get the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus report
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Located in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,994 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. Typical Anthropology student debt is $11,982. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,200. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill has an acceptance rate of 15%. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
University Of Pennsylvania placed #19 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. Students borrow a median of $16,155 to complete their Anthropology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $111,371. Set against $16,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Pennsylvania admits about 5% of applicants. See the full University Of Pennsylvania profile
University Of Nevada Las Vegas came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located in Las Vegas, NV, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,748, compared with $27,411 for out-of-state students. The median Anthropology program debt is $15,379. University Of Nevada Las Vegas alumni report median earnings of $55,037 a decade after entry. Set against $15,379 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nevada Las Vegas has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read more about University Of Nevada Las Vegas
Temple University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Temple University is a public school based in Philadelphia, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,005, compared with $38,805 for out-of-state students. The median Anthropology program debt is $26,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,727. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%. More on Temple University
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,797, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Anthropology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,126. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
College Of William And Mary ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Set in Williamsburg, VA, College Of William And Mary is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,734, while out-of-state students pay about $51,038. Typical Anthropology student debt is $19,067. Median earnings reach $73,490 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 34% of those who apply are admitted. More on College Of William And Mary
University Of California Irvine ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Set in Irvine, CA, University Of California Irvine is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,752, while out-of-state students pay about $46,640. Graduates carry a median of $16,667 in student loans. University Of California Irvine alumni report median earnings of $80,735 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 29%. See the full University Of California Irvine profile
Arizona State University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Set in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Arizona State University Anthropology students take on a median of $25,500 in debt. Arizona State University alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Set against $25,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants. Read more about Arizona State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Anthropology Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of California Davis landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,804, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. Typical Anthropology student debt is $15,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,838 ten years after entry. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%. Read more about University Of California Davis
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Set in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Graduates carry a median of $21,650 in student loans. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign alumni report median earnings of $81,054 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Texas A And M University College Station came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Texas A And M University College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. The median Anthropology program debt is $21,264. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,097. That is a strong return on a $21,264 median debt. Texas A And M University College Station has an acceptance rate of 57%. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
Indiana University Bloomington came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Based in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,144, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. Indiana University Bloomington Anthropology students take on a median of $16,562 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,742 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,562 median debt. Indiana University Bloomington has an acceptance rate of 78%. See the full Indiana University Bloomington profile
University Of Iowa placed #30 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. University Of Iowa is a public school based in Iowa City, IA. Students from in state pay about $11,283 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,696 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,762 ten years after entry. Set against $25,696 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Iowa report
Vanderbilt University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Nashville, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $67,498. Typical Anthropology student debt is $13,975. Median earnings reach $91,565 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Vanderbilt University admits about 6% of applicants. More on Vanderbilt University
Stanford University placed #31 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. Stanford University is a private not-for-profit school based in Stanford, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,910. Graduates carry a median of $10,492 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $124,080. That is a strong return on a $10,492 median debt. The acceptance rate is 4%. See the full Stanford University profile
University Of Missouri Columbia placed #33 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Columbia, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,837, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. Students borrow a median of $17,600 to complete their Anthropology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,403. That is a strong return on a $17,600 median debt. University Of Missouri Columbia has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read more about University Of Missouri Columbia
Duke University placed #34 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. Based in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,758. Students borrow a median of $13,296 to complete their Anthropology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $97,800. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 6% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Duke University
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities Anthropology students take on a median of $23,375 in debt. Median earnings reach $69,020 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities has an acceptance rate of 80%. Get the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities report
Harvard University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Located in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,676. Harvard University Anthropology students take on a median of $16,616 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $101,817 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Harvard University
Suny At Albany came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Based in Albany, NY, Suny At Albany is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,601, with out-of-state students paying around $30,991. Typical Anthropology student debt is $23,250. Median earnings reach $67,979 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Suny At Albany
Princeton University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Princeton, NJ, Princeton University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,688. Princeton University Anthropology students take on a median of $10,888 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $110,066 ten years after entry. Set against $10,888 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted. More on Princeton University
Purdue University Main Campus landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Typical Anthropology student debt is $18,972. Purdue University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $72,424 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,972 median debt. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Purdue University Main Campus profile
Washington State University placed #39 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Pullman, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,391, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Typical Anthropology student debt is $18,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,905. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Washington State University admits about 87% of applicants. Read more about Washington State University
Northwestern University placed #41 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. Set in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $68,322 in tuition and fees. Northwestern University Anthropology students take on a median of $16,616 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $89,363 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 8% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Northwestern University
University Of Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Located in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $29,966. Typical Anthropology student debt is $24,250. Median earnings reach $58,191 ten years out. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read the full report on University Of Arkansas
University Of California Santa Cruz ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. University Of California Santa Cruz is a public school based in Santa Cruz, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,035, while out-of-state students pay about $46,923. Typical Anthropology student debt is $17,875. Median earnings reach $68,396 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,875 median debt. University Of California Santa Cruz admits about 66% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of California Santa Cruz
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Set in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,398, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Anthropology students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee alumni report median earnings of $54,990 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Johns Hopkins University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Baltimore, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $64,730. Johns Hopkins University Anthropology students take on a median of $13,426 in debt. Median earnings reach $87,555 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 6% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Johns Hopkins University profile
New York University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Set in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,796. Students borrow a median of $21,897 to complete their Anthropology program here. Median earnings reach $82,509 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,897 median debt. New York University has an acceptance rate of 9%. More on New York University
Oregon State University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Oregon State University is a public school based in Corvallis, OR. In-state tuition and fees average $14,400, compared with $38,190 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,799 in student loans. Oregon State University alumni report median earnings of $64,010 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,799 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. See the full Oregon State University profile
Kent State University At Kent came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Kent State University At Kent is a public school based in Kent, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,220, while out-of-state students pay about $21,575. Kent State University At Kent Anthropology students take on a median of $26,697 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,388. That is a strong return on a $26,697 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Kent State University At Kent report
Southern Methodist University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Dallas, TX, Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,040. The median Anthropology program debt is $23,125. Median earnings reach $78,354 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Methodist University has an acceptance rate of 63%. Read the full report on Southern Methodist University
University Of Oregon ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Set in Eugene, OR, University Of Oregon is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,320, with out-of-state students paying around $42,516. Students borrow a median of $25,646 to complete their Anthropology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,324. That is a strong return on a $25,646 median debt. University Of Oregon admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Oregon
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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Anthropology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Anthropology Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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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