Compare 5 Anthropology. programs in Kentucky. Average earnings: $30,518.
With top graduates earning $41,175, Anthropology stands out as a field where program choice matters more than school name. The gap between the best and median programs exceeds $12K—proof that evaluating programs individually beats relying on institutional prestige.
The University of Kentucky's Anthropology program leads with graduates earning $41,175, well above the state average of $30,518. University of Louisville follows at $37,708, while Western Kentucky University graduates earn $29,006. This $20K range across Kentucky demonstrates that program-level factors drive outcomes more than school reputation.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. University of Kentucky graduates borrow $22,500 and face a 16.6% payment burden, landing in the 'Manageable' category. But Western Kentucky's graduates face a crushing 47.2% burden despite lower debt, showing how earnings matter as much as borrowing amounts.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University Of KentuckyPublic | $41,175 | 24 | $22,500 | Manageable | $30,006 | High |
| #2 | University Of LouisvillePublic | $37,708 | 26 | $20,500 | Challenging | $20,717 | High |
| #3 | $29,006 | 12 | $22,095 | High | $18,310 | High | |
| #4 | $23,649 | 14 | $22,500 | High | $14,685 | High | |
| #5 | $21,052 | 8 | $23,000 | High | $14,877 | 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 →
