Compare 10 Anthropology. programs in Massachusetts. Average earnings: $33,944.
The highest-earning Anthropology program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $37K earnings gap across 10 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
Brandeis University's Anthropology program leads with graduates earning $54,960, while the average across Massachusetts sits at $33,944. Boston University follows at $47,165, and University of Massachusetts-Boston reaches $40,420—demonstrating that strong outcomes aren't limited to elite private institutions.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Brandeis graduates borrow $25,648 and face just a 10.9% payment burden, landing in the 'Good' category. When parent loans are included, the calculation shifts dramatically, with family burdens exceeding 25% at all top programs.
Highest program earnings: $54,960
Strong outcomes with 83% acceptance
10.9% payment burden | Good - payment 8-12% of discretionary
28.1% family burden | High burden - payment over 25% of discretionary
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Brandeis UniversityPrivate | $54,960 | 37 | $25,648 | Good | $35,451 | High |
| #2 | Boston UniversityPrivate | $47,165 | 18 | $23,250 | Manageable | $39,000 | High |
| #3 | $40,420 | 26 | $21,974 | Manageable | $17,163 | High | |
| #4 | Smith CollegePrivate | $39,045 | 8 | $17,550 | Manageable | $30,366 | High |
| #5 | Mount Holyoke CollegePrivate | $32,925 | 20 | $22,902 | High | $31,129 | High |
| #6 | $29,685 | 10 | $26,000 | High | $58,410 | High | |
| #7 | $26,933 | 6 | $24,286 | High | $18,070 | High | |
| #8 | Harvard UniversityPrivate | $26,353 | 28 | $14,000 | High | $28,000 | High |
| #9 | $23,803 | 38 | $22,763 | High | $26,243 | High | |
| #10 | Wellesley CollegePrivate | $18,154 | 18 | $10,000 | High | $38,825 | 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 →
