Compare 11 Anthropology. programs in Illinois. Average earnings: $33,582.
Anthropology programs produce graduates earning between $23,379 and $43,496—a $20K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 11 ranked programs in Illinois, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Anthropology program leads with graduates earning $43,496, while Illinois State University follows closely at $43,391. The average across all Illinois programs is $33,582, showing how the top performers substantially outpace the field—proof that program-level factors drive outcomes more than school brand.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates borrow $19,500 and face a 12.8% payment burden, landing in the 'Manageable' category. For families considering parent loans, Illinois State offers better value with a 35.3% family burden versus UIUC's 38.8%.
Highest program earnings: $43,496
Strong outcomes with 89% acceptance
12.8% payment burden | Manageable
35.3% family burden | High burden
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $43,496 | 23 | $19,500 | Manageable | $34,511 | High | |
| #2 | $43,391 | 17 | $20,482 | Manageable | $28,767 | High | |
| #3 | Depaul UniversityPrivate | $40,730 | 17 | $23,168 | Manageable | $41,563 | High |
| #4 | $38,139 | 23 | $16,704 | Manageable | $24,323 | High | |
| #5 | $36,544 | 14 | $21,543 | Challenging | $19,500 | High | |
| #6 | University Of ChicagoPrivate | $31,670 | 20 | $15,000 | Challenging | $33,297 | High |
| #7 | Northwestern UniversityPrivate | $29,685 | 26 | $15,000 | High | $26,966 | High |
| #8 | $28,981 | 10 | $22,162 | High | $19,508 | High | |
| #9 | Loyola University ChicagoPrivate | $26,977 | 18 | $24,157 | High | $54,045 | High |
| #10 | Wheaton CollegePrivate | $26,406 | 13 | $23,250 | High | $35,000 | High |
| #11 | $23,379 | 20 | $20,500 | High | $21,500 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
