2026 Best Value Anthropology Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Anthropology master’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. Each school below is scored on 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 analyzed 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Brigham Young University Provo earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Typical Anthropology student debt is $12,184. Median earnings reach $75,790 ten years out. Set against $12,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. See the full Brigham Young University Provo profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Cuny Graduate School And University Center earned it the #2 place in the United States. Based 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, while out-of-state students pay about $15,185. Typical Anthropology student debt is $17,921. Median earnings reach $65,991 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,921 median debt. Cuny Graduate School And University Center has an acceptance rate of 68%. More on Cuny Graduate School And University Center
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Illinois State University earned it the #3 place in the United States. Illinois State University is a public school based in Normal, IL. Students from in state pay about $14,410 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Typical Anthropology student debt is $25,333. Illinois State University alumni report median earnings of $62,117 a decade after entry. Set against $25,333 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Illinois State University
North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #4 on this year's best-value Anthropology ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Typical Anthropology student debt is $25,153. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus
You'll get strong value at Northern Illinois University, which ranked #5 this year. 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. Read the full report on Northern Illinois University
Texas State University San Marcos placed #6 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. Texas State University San Marcos is a public school based in San Marcos, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,930. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,906. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Texas State University San Marcos has an acceptance rate of 89%. Get the full Texas State University San Marcos report
Teachers College At Columbia University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in New York, NY, Teachers College At Columbia University is a private not-for-profit institution. Median earnings reach $73,294 ten years out. Read the full report on Teachers College At Columbia University
Biola University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Biola University is a private not-for-profit school based in La Mirada, CA. Students from in state pay about $48,984 in tuition and fees. Biola University Anthropology students take on a median of $25,308 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,778 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,308 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. See the full Biola University profile
University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. The median Anthropology program debt is $21,260. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,887. That is a strong return on a $21,260 median debt. University Of Nebraska Lincoln has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Creighton University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Creighton University is a private not-for-profit school based in Omaha, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $48,856. The median Anthropology program debt is $25,831. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,911 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Creighton University has an acceptance rate of 80%. See the full Creighton University profile
Cornell University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Set in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $69,314. Cornell University Anthropology students take on a median of $15,005 in debt. Median earnings reach $104,043 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cornell University has an acceptance rate of 9%. See the full Cornell University profile
University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #12 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Graduates carry a median of $19,775 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,792 ten years after entry. Set against $19,775 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report
Suny At Binghamton landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Vestal, NY, Suny At Binghamton is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,567 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $30,447. Suny At Binghamton Anthropology students take on a median of $22,250 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,596 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,250 median debt. About 39% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Suny At Binghamton profile
University Of South Florida Main Campus landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Tampa, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Graduates carry a median of $21,888 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,743. Set against $21,888 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Florida Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 43%. Read the full report on University Of South Florida Main Campus
San Francisco State University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Set in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,846, while out-of-state students pay about $20,446. Graduates carry a median of $17,250 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,077. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. San Francisco State University admits about 96% of applicants. More on San Francisco State University
San Jose State University placed #16 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. This public school is set in San Jose, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,988. San Jose State University has an acceptance rate of 85%. More on San Jose State University
Texas Tech University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. The median Anthropology program debt is $26,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Texas Tech University report
Wichita State University placed #18 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. Located in Wichita, KS, Wichita State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,684, compared with $19,869 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Wichita State University alumni report median earnings of $51,532 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%. Read more about Wichita State University
University Of North Texas landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of North Texas is a public school based in Denton, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Graduates carry a median of $21,168 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,010. Set against $21,168 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of North Texas
California State University Fullerton placed #20 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. California State University Fullerton is a public school based in Fullerton, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,470, while out-of-state students pay about $20,070. The median Anthropology program debt is $14,404. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,951 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,404 median debt. California State University Fullerton admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full California State University Fullerton report
University Of Memphis came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. University Of Memphis is a public school based in Memphis, TN. Students from in state pay about $10,728 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. University Of Memphis Anthropology students take on a median of $20,081 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,458 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Memphis has an acceptance rate of 72%. More on University Of Memphis
University Of California Los Angeles ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Based in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete their Anthropology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,511 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of California Los Angeles profile
The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Located in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Graduates carry a median of $22,523 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,121. That is a strong return on a $22,523 median debt. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile
University Of Colorado Denver ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. This public school is set in Denver, CO. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,383, while out-of-state students pay about $29,391. Graduates carry a median of $34,502 in student loans. Median earnings reach $64,270 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 75%. Read more about University Of Colorado Denver
University Of California Berkeley landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Typical Anthropology student debt is $12,949. Median earnings reach $92,446 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,949 median debt. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of California Berkeley
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Anthropology Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
California State University Sacramento came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. California State University Sacramento is a public school based in Sacramento, CA. Students from in state pay about $8,018 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,618. California State University Sacramento Anthropology students take on a median of $20,675 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,876. That is a strong return on a $20,675 median debt. California State University Sacramento admits about 94% of applicants. More on California State University Sacramento
University Of California Irvine placed #27 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. Set in Irvine, CA, University Of California Irvine is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,752 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $46,640. Graduates carry a median of $16,667 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $80,735. Set against $16,667 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Irvine admits about 29% of applicants. More on University Of California Irvine
University Of Houston landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. Typical Anthropology student debt is $22,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,377 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,750 median debt. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Houston profile
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte placed #29 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Charlotte, NC. Students from in state pay about $7,239 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,492. Typical Anthropology student debt is $27,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,289 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,750 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte admits about 80% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
California State University Los Angeles offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Based in Los Angeles, CA, California State University Los Angeles is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,164, while out-of-state students pay about $19,764. The median Anthropology program debt is $14,000. 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. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read more about California State University Los Angeles
University Of Nevada Reno placed #31 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Reno, NV. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,578, compared with $27,720 for out-of-state students. University Of Nevada Reno Anthropology students take on a median of $23,750 in debt. University Of Nevada Reno alumni report median earnings of $60,614 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,750 median debt. University Of Nevada Reno has an acceptance rate of 74%. Get the full University Of Nevada Reno report
Rice University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Houston, TX, Rice University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,247. Typical Anthropology student debt is $11,904. Median earnings reach $89,718 ten years out. Set against $11,904 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 8% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Rice University
University Of Virginia Main Campus ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public school based in Charlottesville, VA. Students from in state pay about $23,118 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. Graduates carry a median of $13,885 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $86,863 ten years after entry. Set against $13,885 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Virginia Main Campus admits about 17% of applicants. Get the full University Of Virginia Main Campus report
University Of California San Diego came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Set in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,788, while out-of-state students pay about $47,676. Typical Anthropology student debt is $13,958. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,943. Set against $13,958 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 27%. More on University Of California San Diego
San Diego State University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Located in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,728 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. Graduates carry a median of $13,099 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,909. Set against $13,099 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 36% of those who apply are admitted. More on San Diego State University
University Of Nevada Las Vegas placed #36 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public school based in Las Vegas, NV. In-state tuition and fees average $9,748, while out-of-state students pay about $27,411. Graduates carry a median of $15,379 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,037 ten years after entry. Set against $15,379 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Nevada Las Vegas
Yale University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Located in New Haven, CT, Yale University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,250. Yale University Anthropology students take on a median of $14,357 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $100,533. That is a strong return on a $14,357 median debt. Yale University has an acceptance rate of 4%. More on Yale University
George Washington University placed #37 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. Set in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,710. George Washington University Anthropology students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. George Washington University alumni report median earnings of $90,873 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 47% of applicants are accepted. More on George Washington University
University Of Wyoming placed #39 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. Located in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,768, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. University Of Wyoming Anthropology students take on a median of $20,283 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,880. That is a strong return on a $20,283 median debt. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wyoming
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Based in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,398, with out-of-state students paying around $22,398. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Anthropology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,990. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
University Of Alaska Anchorage placed #40 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. Set in Anchorage, AK, University Of Alaska Anchorage is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,738, compared with $21,322 for out-of-state students. University Of Alaska Anchorage Anthropology students take on a median of $21,787 in debt. University Of Alaska Anchorage alumni report median earnings of $51,871 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about University Of Alaska Anchorage
University Of California Santa Barbara ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Based in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,444, with out-of-state students paying around $47,332. The median Anthropology program debt is $19,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,915. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Santa Barbara has an acceptance rate of 33%. More on University Of California Santa Barbara
Eastern University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Based in Saint Davids, PA, Eastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $38,400 in tuition and fees. The median Anthropology program debt is $28,584. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,655 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,584 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%. More on Eastern University
University Of Louisville came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Louisville, KY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,136, with out-of-state students paying around $29,482. The median Anthropology program debt is $23,000. Median earnings reach $53,899 ten years out. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Louisville
Monmouth University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in West Long Branch, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $46,552. Monmouth University Anthropology students take on a median of $25,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,991. Set against $25,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Monmouth University admits about 89% of applicants. Read more about Monmouth University
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public school based in Norman, OK. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,797, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. Typical Anthropology student debt is $25,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,126. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus profile
Texas A And M University College Station placed #47 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Typical Anthropology student debt is $21,264. Texas A And M University College Station alumni report median earnings of $72,097 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,264 median debt. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station
University Of Washington Seattle Campus placed #47 among the best-value Anthropology schools in the United States. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public school based in Seattle, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $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. About 39% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus
College Of William And Mary landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Williamsburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $25,734 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $51,038. Typical Anthropology student debt is $19,067. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,490. That is a strong return on a $19,067 median debt. College Of William And Mary admits about 34% of applicants. See the full College Of William And Mary profile
California State University Chico ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Anthropology schools. Based in Chico, CA, California State University Chico is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,472, compared with $21,072 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,833 to complete their Anthropology program here. California State University Chico alumni report median earnings of $64,172 a decade after entry. Set against $19,833 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Read more about California State University Chico
Related Anthropology Value Rankings
See value rankings for 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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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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